Story perspectives

Court Reconsiders Patterson Convictions Over Excluded SD Photos

8/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Erin Patterson (51) is appealing her triple-murder convictions and 33-year non-parole sentence.
Her lawyers argue the jury stayed in Morwell hotel as prosecutors and a key witness.
Prosecutor Brendan Kissane KC says officers would have reported any jury misconduct.
Judges are reconsidering whether excluding SD-card mushroom photos caused a miscarriage of justice.
Patterson remains in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre while the prosecution appealed for life without parole.

History

Historical Context

On October 3 1995, Judge Lance Ito delivered a not-guilty verdict in O.J. Simpson’s murder trial, ending an eight-month case that left a 12-person jury deliberating less than four hours. The trial’s televised drama, highlighted by Johnnie Cochran’s glove argument in June, reflected the 1995 surge in high-profile, media-driven legal battles such as the Million Man March later that month.

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Story summary

Erin Patterson (51) is appealing her triple-murder convictions and 33-year non-parole sentence.
Her lawyers argue the jury stayed in Morwell hotel as prosecutors and a key witness.
Prosecutor Brendan Kissane KC says officers would have reported any jury misconduct.
Judges are reconsidering whether excluding SD-card mushroom photos caused a miscarriage of justice.
Patterson remains in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre while the prosecution appealed for life without parole.

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