Australia's 'Mushroom Killer' Loses Appeal, Will Never Be Released

Erin Patterson, 51, has failed in her appeal against her convictions for murdering three relatives and attempting to kill another by serving them a toxic mushroom-laced meal. Australia's Court of Appeal on Friday also ruled that she will never be eligible for release from prison.

Patterson was found guilty last year of murdering her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, with beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms. She was also convicted of the attempted murder of Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, who survived the meal but suffered long-term health issues.

Her life sentence had initially included a non-parole period of 33 years. However, three judges on the appeal panel dismissed all seven grounds of her appeal, agreeing with the prosecution that the original sentence was inadequate. The court determined that Patterson's crimes were "extraordinarily cold and calculated" and warranted the strongest condemnation.

"We have concluded that the case involved such shocking criminality that it is inappropriate to fix a non-parole period," Justice Peter Kidd stated on behalf of the panel. The trial judge had previously allowed for a non-parole period, citing the harsh prison conditions Patterson was likely to face.

Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was scheduled to attend the lunch but canceled at the last minute. He had previously alleged that his wife had attempted to poison him multiple times over several years.

Patterson's actions led to a high-profile trial, resulting in her conviction for the fatal meal served at her home in rural Victoria.