Lois Riess

Lois Riess
Mug shot of Lois Riess
Born	Lois Ann Witte (1962-02-28) February 28, 1962 Rochester, Minnesota, United states
Other names	Killer Grandma
Criminal status	Incarcerated at Florida State Prison
Spouse	David Riess ​ (m. 1986⁠–⁠2018)​
Children	3, including Braden
Parent(s)	William "Bill" Witte (father) Donna Witte (mother)
Conviction(s)	2 counts of first-degree murder
Criminal penalty	Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
Details
Victims	Pamela Hutchinson David Riess
Span of crimes	2018–
Country	U.S.
State(s)	Blooming Prairie and Florida
Weapon	Gun
Date apprehended	August 11, 2018

Lois Riess (born Lois Ann Witte 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. 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. Riess currently serves life sentences at Florida state prison.

Early Life

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.

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. They raised three children and operated a worm farm business, which provided a modest but steady income. 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. 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

Publicity photo of David Riess

David Riess was found dead on March 23, 2018, at their home in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. 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.

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. 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.

Murder of Pamela Hutchinson

Publicity photo of Pamela Hutchinson

Pamela Diane Sellers Hutchinson was a 59-year-old native of Columbus County, North Carolina.

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 rental condo. Hutchinson was visiting the area to help a friend scatter her late husband's ashes and on vacation when she encountered Riess. Investigators determined that Riess targeted Hutchinson because they shared a similar physical appearance, 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.

Riess shot and killed Hutchinson in the victim's condo, where her body was later discovered by authorities with bullets in her back and chest. The forensic evidence suggested that there was no forced entry, indicating that Hutchinson had willingly allowed Riess into her home. After the murder, Riess stole several of Hutchinson’s belongings, including her identification, credit cards, and vehicle, which she used to aid her escape. 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.

Fugitive and Arrest

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. Riess evaded law enforcement for weeks, traveling across the southern United States and staying in various hotels and casinos. with her case being featured on programs such as America’s Most Wanted. The stolen items and vehicle played a crucial role in helping authorities trace Riess’s movements.

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, Riess pleaded guilty in Florida to four charges, including first-degree murder, grand theft, and identity theft, in connection with Hutchinson's death. In exchange for her guilty plea, the state withdrew its pursuit of the death penalty, and Riess was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Florida trial also resolved any potential appellate issues, ensuring she would remain incarcerated for life.

After her sentencing in Florida, Riess was extradited to Minnesota to face charges for the murder of her husband. She pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Minnesota in 2020, receiving another life sentence without the possibility of parole. During her court appearance, Riess expressed remorse to her late husband’s family, acknowledging the pain caused by her actions. The prosecution underscored the calculated nature of Riess's crimes, highlighting her use of the same firearm for both murders and her efforts to evade capture through identity theft.

Media coverage and legacy

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.

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

• In 2024, Lois Riess was featured in a documentary directed and produced by Erin Lee Carr, I Am Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders, American Murderers on HBO.