Patterson launches two appeals in mushroom murders case

Lawyers for Erin Patterson, convicted of murdering her husband's parents and aunt with death cap mushrooms, are seeking to overturn her conviction. They contend that the jury was not adequately sequestered during her trial, arguing this failure undermined the integrity of the legal process.

Patterson, 51, was found guilty last year of serving a beef Wellington lunch laced with lethal mushrooms to her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson in 2023. She was also convicted of the attempted murder of her husband's uncle, who survived the meal after a lengthy hospital stay. A judge sentenced her to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after 33 years.

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in perhaps one of the most high-profile criminal trials this state has ever had

During a two-day hearing at Melbourne's Supreme Court, Patterson's legal team presented two main arguments. One lawyer argued that jurors staying in the same hotel as a witness and prosecution members constituted a "fundamental failure" of the process. Another lawyer challenged the admissibility of certain evidence, including cell tower data and mushroom sighting reports, deeming it "innocuous" and unreliable.

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a substantial miscarriage of justice

Meanwhile, the prosecution has filed its own appeal, arguing that the 33-year non-parole period is "manifestly inadequate." They contend the judge erred in considering the likelihood of Patterson spending years in solitary confinement when determining the sentence.

Patterson observed the proceedings via video link from a maximum-security prison. The appeals court must first decide if the grounds presented justify granting Patterson leave to challenge her conviction.

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manifestly inadequate