“An enormous betrayal of trust”: Erin Patterson sentenced to life with 33 years non-parole

Erin Patterson, 50, was sentenced to life in prison, with a fixed non-parole period of 33 years, for the murder of three people and the attempted murder of a fourth person. 

In July 2023, Patterson served the victims, the parents of Patterson’s ex-husband, and his aunt and uncle, a beef wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms, but also claimed her innocence, stating she hadn’t foraged the mushrooms herself but instead bought them from a grocery store. 

After the 11-week trial, the jury found Patterson guilty of murder and attempted murder. 

On Monday, 8 September, Justice Christopher Beale from the Supreme Court of Victoria delivered his sentence, stating that Patterson’s actions “involved an enormous betrayal of trust.” 

“I have no hesitation in finding that your offending falls into the worst category for the offences of murder and attempted murder,” Beale said. 

“The gravity of your offending warrants the imposition of the maximum penalties for your crimes.” 

During his remarks, Beale highlighted how Patterson tried to cover up her actions, including disposing of the plates she used to serve the meal, a dehydrator, and her phone. 

Beale also acknowledged how the murder and subsequent cover-up brought immense trauma and anguish to the family and friends of the victims, pointing out how Patterson’s “failure to exhibit any remorse pours salt into the victim’s wounds.” 

Back in August, following Patterson’s conviction, the surviving victim, Ian Wilkinson, told the court he forgave Patterson for the attempt to murder him, but not for the death of his family members. 

“I am distressed that Erin has acted with callous and calculated disregard for my life and the life of those I loved,” Wilkinson said. “What foolishness possesses someone to think that murder could be the solution to their problems, particularly people who only have good intentions towards her?” 

“Now I am no longer Erin Patterson’s victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness.” 

Beal sentenced Patterson to life imprisonment for the attempted murder of Wilkinson and the murders of Heather Wilkinson, Gail Patterson, and Don Patterson. There is a non-parole period of 33 years. 

Top image: Erin Patterson (centre) leaves the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Monday, September 8, 2025. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)