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Australia's mushroom murderer appeals conviction
Patterson argues evidence was wrongly admitted or excluded and says a jury irregularity undermined the verdicts, while prosecutors seek a longer non-parole term.
- On Wednesday, Australian Erin Patterson launches an appeal against her conviction for the 2023 triple murder of her in-laws and aunt, while the prosecution simultaneously challenges her 33-year non-parole sentence as "manifestly inadequate."
- A jury found Patterson guilty last year of murdering Don, Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson by serving a beef Wellington lunch laced with lethal death cap mushrooms at her Leongatha home. She was also convicted of attempting to murder Ian.
- Patterson's lawyer argues a "fundamental irregularity" during jury sequestration "fatally undermined the integrity of the verdicts." The defense also claims the prosecution's cross-examination was "unfair and oppressive."
- Over two days, three judges at the Court of Appeal in Melbourne will hear both appeals. Patterson, held at the maximum-security Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, has requested to watch via live video link.
- Before fully hearing arguments, the Court of Appeal judges must decide if the grounds justify granting Patterson leave to challenge her conviction at all. The prosecution argued the trial judge's sentencing decision was "infected" by concerns over solitary confinement.
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Erin Patterson appeals 3 murder convictions in Australia over death cap mushroom lunch
Triple-murderer Erin Patterson is appealing her convictions for poisoning four of her estranged husband’s relatives with death cap mushrooms.
·New York, United States
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The appeal of an Australian woman convicted of fatally poisoning three members of her in-laws with poisonous mushrooms begins on Wednesday.
·Montreal, Canada
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Total News Sources58
Leaning Left18Leaning Right15Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution36% Left
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Left
36% Left
L 36%
C 34%
R 30%
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