Prosecutors seek death for fugitive Minnesota woman in slaying

The Associated Press
Fort Meyers, Fla.

Share

Lois Riess, of Blooming Prairie, Minn.
This photo provided by the South Padre Island Police Department shows Lois Riess, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., who was arrested by federal deputy marshals Thursday, April 19, 2018, at a restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas.
South Padre Island Police Department via AP

Florida prosecutors say they're seeking the death penalty for a Minnesota woman who's accused of killing her husband and a Florida woman before leading authorities on a cross-country manhunt.

The State Attorney's Office in Lee County, Florida, filed a notice of intent Monday to seek the death penalty against 56-year-old Lois Riess. A grand jury indicted her last month on a first-degree murder charge. A conviction would mean life in prison or execution.

Court documents say David Riess was found dead at the couple's Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, home in March. Authorities say Riess went to Fort Myers and met 59-year-old Pamela Hutchinson. Investigators believe Riess killed Hutchinson to assume her identity. Riess was captured in Texas, and returned to Florida to face charges.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Providing Support for MPR.
Learn More
Program ScheduleStation Directory