An Australian court has scheduled an appeal hearing for Erin Patterson, widely known as the “mushroom murderer,” for August 19 and 20. The Supreme Court of Victoria confirmed the dates on Friday, marking a significant step in the legal process following her conviction for the poisoning deaths of three family members.

Patterson was found guilty in September of murdering three relatives of her estranged husband by serving them a meal containing poisonous mushrooms. The case, which involved the deaths of Gail and Donald Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, drew substantial international attention due to its unusual circumstances and the high number of journalists covering the proceedings. The sentencing was even broadcast live.

During the upcoming two-day hearing, the court will review Patterson's appeal against her life sentence, which her legal team argues constitutes a “substantial miscarriage of justice.” Simultaneously, prosecutors will present their case, contending that the sentence, which includes the possibility of parole after 33 years, is “manifestly inadequate.” They had previously argued for a life sentence without parole.

Patterson’s conviction stemmed from a lunch in July where beef Wellington, allegedly laced with toxic fungi, was served. Her estranged husband’s parents, Gail and Donald Patterson, died shortly after the meal in August 2023. Heather Wilkinson also died that month, while her husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived after a lengthy hospital stay and a liver transplant.

Patterson’s appeal is based on seven grounds, including claims of a “fundamental irregularity” concerning the jury's accommodation, which reportedly placed them in the same hotel as key case figures like a police witness and prosecutors. Her lawyers also assert that certain evidence was irrelevant or unfairly prejudicial, and that the prosecution’s cross-examination was improper.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Patterson has maintained her innocence, suggesting the mushroom poisoning was accidental. This stance contrasts with the jury's verdict, which found her guilty of murder and attempted murder.

The case captivated the public, with over 250 journalists registering to follow updates. The judge's decision to broadcast the sentencing underscored the widespread interest in the trial and its outcome.

Patterson’s lawyers are expected to present detailed arguments regarding procedural fairness and the admissibility of evidence during the August appeal. The court's decision on both Patterson's appeal and the prosecution's challenge to her sentence will be closely watched.