Erin Patterson appeals mushroom murder convictions over jury hotel mix-up
Lawyers for Australian mushroom murderer Erin Patterson say her conviction was undermined by a "catastrophic" mix-up that led to the jury staying at the same hotel as prosecutors and a key witness.
Erin Patterson, serving a life sentence for murdering three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth with a beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms, has appealed her conviction. The appeal centers on a "catastrophic" mix-up that saw the jury staying at the same hotel as prosecutors, a key police witness, and journalists.
Patterson's lawyers argue this undermined the integrity of the verdicts and that retrial is necessary for justice to be seen to be done. Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions is also appealing the 33-year parole period, describing it as "manifestly inadequate". Patterson's in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, were her victims.
Patterson did not attend the Court of Appeal in Melbourne in person and neither did her estranged husband Simon, who cancelled at the last minute due to his belief that his wife had been trying to poison him. During the appeal hearing, the defense argued that some evidence presented was too speculative, and crucial evidence supporting their case was wrongfully excluded.
The prosecution maintains that guilty verdicts were inescapable, citing the circumstances of the lunch, the medical outcomes of the victims, and Patterson's conduct. The decision of the three appeal judges is expected to be reserved, with a possible resolution within weeks.
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