Erin Patterson fails to overturn murder convictions on appeal

Victoria's Court of Appeal rejected Erin Patterson's challenge to her convictions for murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth after serving them a meal containing death cap mushrooms in 2023. The judges also removed the 33-year non-parole period, ruling that the extraordinary severity of the crimes meant she should have no possibility of release on parole. Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson died after eating the poisoned beef Wellington; Ian Wilkinson survived but continues to suffer health problems. Patterson's appeal included arguments that a hotel booking mishap involving jurors had undermined the integrity of her trial.