Pamela Hutchinson’s Story: Insights into “I Am Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders”

The recent two-part documentary from HBO delves into the harrowing double homicide of David Riess and Pamela Hutchinson, both of whom were victims of Lois Riess—a 56-year-old from Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. While Lois was married to David, her deadly encounter with Pamela occurred during a trip to Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

Directed by the renowned Erin Lee Carr, the documentary titled I Am Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders will air its first installment on October 15, 2024, at 9:00 PM EST, followed by the second part on October 16, 2024. The documentary’s synopsis provides more insight:

“In 2018, a small-town murder in Minnesota sends shockwaves through the community when Lois Riess kills her husband David and flees from authorities; years later, Lois shares her story with the filmmakers for the first time.”

As the release date approaches, here’s a detailed look at the tragic fate of Pamela Hutchinson and the events that unfolded thereafter.

How did Pamela Hutchinson lose her life?

Pamela Hutchinson, a 59-year-old resident of Bradenton, traveled to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on April 3, 2018, reportedly to assist a friend in dispersing her husband’s ashes at Sanibel. She was staying at the Marina Village at Snug Harbor during her visit.

It was during this trip that Pamela encountered Lois Riess, who was on the run after fatally shooting her husband. The two formed a friendship and were seen together frequently throughout their hotel stay. Investigations indicated that Lois might have even spent the night in Pamela’s hotel room.

Tragically, on April 9, 2018, hotel staff discovered Pamela’s lifeless body, shot and killed. Authorities later determined that the method of her murder closely resembled that of David Riess’s death. At this point, a nationwide search was already underway for Lois, who was evading capture.

In addition to the murder, Lois reportedly took items from Pamela’s purse, leading investigators to suspect that she intended to assume Pamela’s identity due to their physical resemblance.

Lois Riess was apprehended on April 19, 2018, at a bar, where she was arrested and charged with Pamela’s murder. Initially opting for a trial, she eventually decided to accept a plea deal of guilty, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

What motivated Lois Riess to murder Pamela Hutchinson?

Authorities and prosecutors argued that Lois killed Pamela to steal her identity and acquire her financial resources. However, during the upcoming documentary, Lois expresses confusion over her motivations, stating she had no recollection of why she acted violently.

Lois explained:

“I never thought I would harm that woman…She reached out to me in friendship. I just wish I had been in a better frame of mind to reciprocate that friendship.”

She continued:

“It’s truly perplexing because I lack the memories and understanding of my actions…I know that I took her life, yet the reason remains a mystery to me.”

Despite her claims of uncertainty, Lois did not plead insanity and accepted a life sentence for Pamela’s murder, following which she received an additional life sentence in Minnesota for the murder of David Riess.

I Am Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders will provide an in-depth examination of this compelling case.

Source