Appeal seeks life without parole for mushroom killer
By The BriefBrief
Crown prosecutors have told Australia’s Court of Appeal that Erin Patterson’s life sentence for killing three relatives and attempting to kill another was “manifestly inadequate” because it allows parole. Patterson, jailed for life after serving death cap mushrooms in a beef Wellington at her Victoria home in 2023, would be eligible for release after 33 years.
WHO:Crown prosecutors
WHAT:Prosecutors appeal Erin Patterson’s life sentence, arguing she should never be allowed parole.
WHEN:Reported Aug 20, 2026 at 3:08 AM ET
WHERE:Victoria, Australia
WHY:Prosecutors say the sentence is “manifestly inadequate” because it allows the possibility of parole.
How this story developed (showing 2 of 2 earlier reports)
