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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.

Early Life

Lois Ann Riess was born and raised in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, She was described as a grandmother and long-time resident of the town before her crimes came to light. 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.

Crimes

Murder of David Riess

In March 2018, David Riess was found dead at the couple's home in Blooming Prairie. He had been shot multiple times. Lois Riess was quickly identified as a suspect after investigators discovered evidence that she had forged checks from his account and emptied nearly $11,000 from his bank account following his death. By the time David’s body was discovered, Lois had already fled the state.

Murder of Pamela Hutchinson

After leaving Minnesota, Riess traveled to Florida. In Fort Myers Beach, she befriended Pamela Hutchinson, a 59-year-old woman with a similar physical appearance. Prosecutors alleged that Riess killed Hutchinson on April 5, 2018, to steal her identity. Hutchinson was found dead in her condo, having been shot multiple times. Authorities believe Riess planned to assume Hutchinson's identity to avoid detection, as she had taken the victim’s identification, credit cards, and car.

Fugitive and Arrest

Riess evaded law enforcement for weeks, traveling across the southern United States and staying in various hotels and casinos. The manhunt for Riess gained national attention, with her case being featured on programs such as America’s Most Wanted.

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

Legal Proceedings

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. In 2020, she pleaded guilty to the murder of her husband, David Riess, in Minnesota and received another life sentence.

References

1. "Lois Riess' Twisted Spiral from Minnesota Grandma to Fugitive Murderer". Biography. 2024-10-16. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
2. McBride, Jessica (2018-04-14). "Lois Riess: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy Sports. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
3. "Documents Detail Journey Of MN Woman Accused Of Killing Husband - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
4. Rosengren, John (2020-09-22). "The Pretender". The Atavist Magazine. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
5. Braun, Michael. "Lois Riess pleads guilty to 2018 homicide of Pamela Hutchinson, gets life sentence". The News-Press. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
6. "Grandmother Admits Murdering Husband, then Killing Lookalike Woman to Steal Her Identity". People.com. Retrieved 2024-12-08.

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