Erin Patterson, 51, has filed an appeal against her September conviction for poisoning relatives with death cap mushrooms. She was sentenced in Victoria to three life terms plus 25 years for the deaths of her estranged husband’s parents and aunt. Prosecutors had earlier argued the sentence was "manifestly inadequate," and the court has now granted leave for an appeal to be lodged. The specific legal grounds for Patterson’s challenge have not yet been made public.
Convicted in 'Death Cap' Poisoning, Erin Patterson Appeals Murder Conviction in Victoria
Erin Patterson, 51, has filed an appeal against her September conviction for poisoning relatives with death cap mushrooms. She was sentenced in Victoria to three life terms plus 25 years for the deaths of her estranged husband’s parents and aunt. Prosecutors had earlier argued the sentence was "manifestly inadequate," and the court has now granted leave for an appeal to be lodged. The specific legal grounds for Patterson’s challenge have not yet been made public.
22:14, 03.11.2025Society
Erin Patterson files appeal after conviction in deadly "death cap" poisoning
Nov. 3 — Erin Patterson, 51, has formally lodged an appeal of her murder conviction in an Australian court following a high-profile case in Victoria.
Patterson was convicted of killing her estranged husband’s parents and his aunt by serving them a meal containing toxic Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap mushroom. In September she was sentenced to three life terms plus an additional 25 years for murder and attempted murder.
Under Australian law, an appeal is not automatic; the court must grant permission to proceed. Last month, prosecutors filed a notice arguing that "the sentence handed down to Erin Patterson is manifestly inadequate," according to court documents.
On Monday, Patterson’s legal team was given leave to appeal and formally lodged the challenge. Court records have not yet disclosed the legal grounds for the appeal.
What happens next:
- The court will consider the grounds of appeal once they are filed publicly.
- Prosecutors may respond to any legal arguments Patterson’s lawyers present.
- If the appeal proceeds, it could lead to a rehearing, an amended sentence, or the conviction being upheld.
Further details will be released as court filings become available.