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Lois Riess
Mug shot of Lois Riess
Born
Lois Ann Witte

(1962-02-28) February 28, 1962 (age 62)
Rochester, Minnesota United states
Other namesKiller Grandma
Criminal statusIncarcerated at Florida State Prison
SpouseDavid Riess (1986–2018)
Children3, including Braden
Conviction(s)2 counts of first-degree murder
Criminal penaltyLife imprisonment without the possibility of parole
Details
VictimsPamela Hutchinson
David Riess
Span of crimes
2018–
CountryU.S.
State(s)Blooming Prairie and Florida
WeaponGun
Date apprehended
August 11, 2018

Lois Riess (born February 28, 1962) is an American convicted murderer and former fugitive. In 2018, she gained nationwide notoriety after being accused of killing her husband in Minnesota and a woman in Florida, prompting a cross-country manhunt. Nicknamed the "Killer Grandma" by media outlets, Riess's case drew widespread attention due to its shocking details and her ability to elude law enforcement for weeks.

After leaving Minnesota, Riess traveled to Florida, where she was accused of befriending Pamela Hutchinson, a woman who bore a physical resemblance to her. Riess later murdered Hutchinson in an attempt to steal her identity and continue her flight from authorities. Using Hutchinson’s identification and credit cards, she traveled through multiple states before being apprehended in South Padre Island, Texas, in April 2018.

Riess was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[1] Her case has been the subject of documentaries, podcasts, and in-depth media coverage, highlighting issues such as identity theft, elder criminality, and the challenges of tracking fugitives.[2][3] Riess currently serves life sentences at Florida state prison.[4]

Early Life

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Lois Riess was born in Rochester, Minnesota, in the early 1960s. She was the fourth of five children in a family marked by significant challenges. Her mother, Donna, struggled with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, while her father, William "Bill" Witte, was described as inattentive and frugal. The household lacked stability and warmth, with limited demonstrations of affection or guidance. Despite these difficulties, Lois and her siblings developed close bonds, supporting one another through adversity.[5]

After completing high school, Riess married David Riess, and the couple settled in their hometown Blooming Prairie, Minnesota where they built a seemingly stable life together.[6] They raised three children and operated a worm farm business, which provided a modest but steady income.[7] Riess was known to be an avid gambler, a hobby that eventually escalated into a significant gambling addiction. She was described as a grandmother and long-time resident of the town before her crimes came to light.[8] Riess was married to David Riess, with whom she had children. The couple owned a worm farm and were considered an ordinary family in their community.[9]

Crimes

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Murder of David Riess

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David Riess was found dead on March 23, 2018, at their home in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.[10][6] The 54-year-old was discovered by authorities after concerned family members reported they had not heard from him in several days. Upon investigation, David was found with multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was quickly ruled a homicide. Lois Riess was identified as the primary suspect after she went missing shortly after the murder, along with her husband’s vehicle and significant funds from his bank account.[11]

Authorities determined that Lois Riess had forged David’s signature on checks and withdrawn nearly $11,000 from his account before fleeing the state. Evidence collected at the scene suggested the crime was premeditated, with Lois allegedly planning to use the stolen funds to finance her escape.[12] Neighbors and acquaintances described David as a kind and well-liked man, with no prior indications of trouble in the marriage. However, Lois’s escalating gambling debts and financial troubles were considered potential motives for the crime.[13]

Murder of Pamela Hutchinson

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After leaving Minnesota, Riess traveled to Florida, On April 5, 2018, Lois Riess murdered Pamela Hutchinson, a 59-year-old woman, in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.[14] Hutchinson was visiting the area on vacation when she encountered Riess. Investigators determined that Riess targeted Hutchinson because they shared a similar physical appearance,[15] intending to steal her identity to evade authorities. Riess befriended Hutchinson, gaining her trust through friendly interactions and social outings in the days leading up to the murder. The relationship appeared to be amicable, with Hutchinson reportedly unaware of Riess’s criminal intentions.[14]

Riess shot and killed Hutchinson in the victim's condo, where her body was later discovered by authorities. The forensic evidence suggested that there was no forced entry, indicating that Hutchinson had willingly allowed Riess into her home.[16] After the murder, Riess stole several of Hutchinson’s belongings, including her identification, credit cards, and vehicle, which she used to aid her escape.[17] Investigators believed that Riess meticulously planned the crime to assume Hutchinson's identity as part of her effort to avoid detection following the murder of her husband in Minnesota.[18]

Fugitive and Arrest

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Following the murder, Riess was captured on surveillance footage using Hutchinson’s identification and credit cards to make various purchases. She also drove Hutchinson’s white Acura TL across state lines, further complicating the nationwide manhunt for her.[19][20] Riess evaded law enforcement for weeks, traveling across the southern United States and staying in various hotels and casinos.[21] with her case being featured on programs such as America’s Most Wanted.[22] The stolen items and vehicle played a crucial role in helping authorities trace Riess’s movements.[22]

On April 19, 2018, Riess was apprehended in South Padre Island, Texas, after a tip from someone who recognized her at a restaurant.[23][24] She was taken into custody without incident and extradited to Florida to face charges.[25][26][27]

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In December 2019, Lois Riess pleaded guilty to the murder of Pamela Hutchinson and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[1][28] In 2020, she pleaded guilty to the murder of her husband, David Riess, in Minnesota and received another life sentence.[29]

Media coverage and legacy

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The case of Lois Riess has been the subject of several true-crime documentaries and television programs, including Dateline NBC and Snapped. Her ability to elude authorities, coupled with her seemingly unassuming persona, has made her a prominent figure in true-crime discussions.[30]

Riess is currently incarcerated in a Florida state prison, serving her life sentences.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Braun, Michael. "Lois Riess pleads guilty to 2018 homicide of Pamela Hutchinson, gets life sentence". The News-Press. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  2. ^ I'm Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders | Official Website for the HBO Series | HBO.com. Retrieved 2024-12-11 – via www.hbo.com.
  3. ^ Waxman, Olivia B. (2024-10-15). "The Lois Riess HBO Documentary". TIME. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  4. ^ a b "Lois Riess, Serving Life In Florida Prison For Woman's Murder, Extradited To Minnesota For Husband's Murder - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2020-03-04. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  5. ^ Mehrotra, Kriti (2024-10-17). "Where is Lois Riess' Family Now?". The Cinemaholic. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  6. ^ a b Geddes, Jennifer Kelly (2024-10-15). "Inside 'Murder Home' Where Lois Riess Brutally Killed Her Husband—as She Gets Set To Tell Her Tale in New HBO Documentary". Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  7. ^ Walsh, Paul (2018-05-04). "Lois Riess' son goes public: 'She literally snapped'". www.startribune.com. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  8. ^ "Lois Riess' Twisted Spiral from Minnesota Grandma to Fugitive Murderer". Biography. 2024-10-16. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  9. ^ McBride, Jessica (2018-04-14). "Lois Riess: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy Sports. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  10. ^ "Documents Detail Journey Of MN Woman Accused Of Killing Husband - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  11. ^ Rosengren, John (2020-09-22). "The Pretender". The Atavist Magazine. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  12. ^ Montoya, Michael Braun and Melissa. "Texas sheriff: Fort Myers Beach homicide suspect Lois Riess is on her way to Florida". The News-Press. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  13. ^ "Relative of victim killed by woman on alleged crime spree 'afraid' she'll kill again". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  14. ^ a b Dolcimascolo, Carolyn (2023-10-26). "Opening the files on the case against the Killer Grandma, Lois Riess". WINK News. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  15. ^ "Bradenton woman killed for her identity, authorities say". heraldtribune. April 18, 2018.
  16. ^ Cullinane, Susannah (2018-04-17). "Grandmother accused of killing her husband may also have killed a woman to steal her identity". CNN. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  17. ^ "'Killer Grandma' Lois Riess Pleads Guilty To Murdering Florida Woman, Stealing Her Identity - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2019-12-17. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  18. ^ Cullinane, Susannah (2018-04-17). "Grandmother accused of killing her husband may also have killed a woman to steal her identity". CNN. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  19. ^ Flynn, Meagan (April 20, 2018). "Lois Riess, sought in the deaths of her husband and look-alike, is captured after a nationwide manhun". washingtonpost.
  20. ^ Strassmann, Mark (2018-04-16). "Nationwide hunt underway for Lois Riess, grandmother and accused killer - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  21. ^ Selk, Avi (April 17, 2018). "Wanted: This gambling grandmother who impersonated a look-alike — then killed her, police say". washingtonpost.
  22. ^ a b Chappell, Bill (April 20, 2018). "Lois Riess, 'Fugitive Grandmother' Wanted In 2 Killings, Is Arrested In Texas". www.npr.org.
  23. ^ "Lois Riess: Woman who 'murdered victim and stole her identity' arrested". 2018-04-20. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  24. ^ "'This is a stone-cold killer': 'Relief' after fugitive grandmother caught". NBC News. 2018-04-20. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  25. ^ David, Kim DavidKim (2020-07-06). "Lois Riess Returns To Minnesota to Face Murder Charges". News Talk 1340 KROC-AM. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  26. ^ "Extradition underway to bring convicted killer Lois Riess back to MN". kare11.com. 2019-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  27. ^ "Lois Riess Back In Minnesota To Face Charges In Connection To Husband's Murder - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2020-07-05. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  28. ^ "Lois Riess pleads guilty to husband's 2018 murder, accepts life sentence without parole". FOX 9. 2020-08-11. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  29. ^ "Grandmother Admits Murdering Husband, then Killing Lookalike Woman to Steal Her Identity". People.com. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  30. ^ jtorres@gulflive.com, Jennifer Torres | (2024-10-23). "'Killer grandma' captured in South Padre Island finally reveals her story in HBO documentary". lonestarlive. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  31. ^ Berman, Marc. "Documentary 'I'm Not A Monster: The Lois Riess Murders' Debuts On HBO On October 15". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  32. ^ "HBO Original Two-Part Documentary I'M NOT A MONSTER: THE LOIS RIESS MURDERS Debuts October 15". Pressroom. 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
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