Exploring the Lois Riess Murders: A Gripping Review of the Mind of a Killer

HBO has introduced a compelling true-crime documentary series entitled I’m Not a Monster: The Lois Reiss Murders, crafted by director and producer Erin Lee Carr. This captivating two-part series centers around the chilling narrative of Lois Reiss, who was charged with the murder of her husband, David, in 2018.

In the wake of the crime, Reiss attempted to manipulate the scene at her residence, trying to create the illusion that her spouse was still alive for a span of 12 days. Ultimately, her efforts to flee from law enforcement were thwarted, resulting in her capture after a short period of being pursued.

The official description for the documentary states:

“I’m Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders investigates the unconventional killer amid her meticulously orchestrated crime spree — ranging from embezzlement to the murder of an unsuspecting victim and identity fraud — all while highlighting the lasting impacts of familial dysfunction and mental health challenges on her psyche.”

This documentary features a series of interviews with Lois Reiss herself, conducted during her incarceration. Throughout the episodes, the series aims to explore her psychological state and touches on how her actions affected her victims and their families. The first episode of I’m Not a Monster: The Lois Reiss Murders premiered on Max on October 15, 2024, with the follow-up episode released the next day.

I’m Not a Monster: The Lois Reiss Murders Delves Deep into Reiss’s Gruesome Crimes

I’m Not a Monster begins with a comprehensive recounting of the murders that transpired back in 2018, specifically in the quaint town of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. At the time, Lois Reiss, age 56, filled the roles of wife, mother, and grandmother. Her initial victim was her own husband, David, and she endured years of mental and emotional mistreatment from him.

During a particularly heated argument, when David suggested, ‘Why don’t you just kill yourself?’ and handed her a. 22 caliber pistol, Reiss flipped the situation. She took the firearm and aimed it at her husband, ultimately firing two shots in close proximity. The most alarming aspect of this saga emerged later when Reiss attempted to arrange her husband’s body in their home, striving to make it seem as if he was alive.

The documentary starts by peeling back the layers of the troubled relationship between the couple and the abuses Reiss suffered. However, it is her second victim that reveals the true extent of her horrifying descent. Regardless, the series first addresses her history, including a gambling addiction and the influence of mental health issues within her family.

Throughout the documentary, viewers witness Reiss in interviews where she rationalizes her actions, claiming she had no choice but to take her husband’s life due to the abuse she endured. Her next target, however, became Pamela Hutchinson.

Like Reiss, Hutchinson came from a similar background and bore a resemblance to her. This unfortunate similarity led Reiss to murder Hutchinson with the same. 22 caliber gun, followed by attempts at identity theft, including stealing her credit card, vehicle, and withdrawing $6000 from her bank account.

While I’m Not a Monster portrays Lois Reiss trying to justify her actions, the details surrounding the second murder diverge significantly from her narrative. The series incorporates interviews from various individuals familiar with Lois Reiss, including family, friends, law enforcement, and even a possible victim.

The documentary reveals Reiss’s intricate web of deception, juxtaposing her narrative with concrete evidence. In this engaging two-part series, the audience first encounters Reiss’s assertions before being presented with the evidence that starkly contradicts them. Consequently, as Reiss attempts to cast herself as a victim of circumstance, the film effectively sheds light on her more sinister side.

In just two episodes, I’m Not a Monster offers a thorough perspective on the Lois Reiss murders, even as she endeavors to downplay her transgressions. The series is now available for streaming on HBO Max.

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