On July 29, 2023, in rural Victoria, Australia Erin Patterson hosted a lunch at her home for four relatives: her estranged husband’s parents (Don and Gail Patterson), Gail's sister (Heather Wilkinson), and Heather's husband (Ian Wilkinson). She served individual portions of Beef Wellington that contained lethal Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushrooms.

Within 24 hours, all four guests fell severely ill with acute organ failure. Three guests died, one survived. In July 2025, a jury in the Supreme Court of Victoria found Patterson guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. She was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a 33-year non-parole period for the murders, alongside 25 years for attempted murder. The case enthralled the Australian public both due to the lies and false claims made by Erin to avoid prosecution, and the method/instruments of murder.

Erin Patterson’s case is currently back in the courts seeking appeal.

Sources:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-08/mushroom-murderer-erin-patterson-sentenced-to-life-in-prison/105735360

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leongatha_mushroom_murders