Australian judge sentences mushroom-killer Erin Patterson to life in prison

Erin Patterson arrives at Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, on August 25 2025 (Jason Edwards/NCA, Pool via AP, File)

An Australian judge on Monday sentenced triple-murderer Erin Patterson to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years for poisoning four of her estranged husband’s relatives with death cap mushrooms.

Justice Christopher Beale told the Victoria state Supreme Court that Patterson’s crimes involved an enormous betrayal of trust.