Lois Riess: A True Crime Saga of Deceit, Murder, and a Nationwide Manhunt

A chilling and captivating account of the life and crimes of Lois Riess, a remorseless serial killer who left a trail of devastation across the country.

Introduction
Lois Riess, a seemingly ordinary woman from Minnesota, embarked on a sinister path that would forever alter the lives of numerous innocent victims and leave an indelible mark on the annals of true crime. Her story is a complex and harrowing tale of deception, murder, and a relentless pursuit by law enforcement. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the depths of Riess's crimes, her elusive nature, and the extensive investigation that brought her to justice.

The Early Years: A Seemingly Unremarkable Life
Lois Delmore was born on January 13, 1957, in Bryan, Texas. Her early life was marked by tragedy when her father committed suicide when she was just eleven years old. Her family moved to Minnesota, where she met and married her first husband, David Riess, in 1980. Together, they had two daughters.

First Degree Murder
In 1988, Riess's life took a sinister turn when she fatally shot her first husband, David, in the family home. She claimed self-defense, alleging that her husband had been abusive, and was acquitted of murder charges. This incident marked the beginning of a dark and deadly pattern in Riess's life.

A String of Deceptions
After David's death, Riess went on to lead a double life, moving from state to state and marrying several men under different aliases. She often used her charm and charisma to manipulate and exploit her victims, stealing their identities, money, and assets.

The Barbaric Killings of Pamela Hutchinson and William Wirtz
In March 2015, Riess's true nature became apparent when she shot and killed her second husband, Gary Anderson, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. She fled the scene and went on the run, embarking on a cross-country crime spree.

Riess ruthlessly murdered two more innocent victims during her flight from justice. In April 2015, she shot and killed Pamela Hutchinson, a convenience store manager in Bradenton, Florida. Days later, she killed William Wirtz, a wealthy widower in Venice, Florida, and stole his car.

Elusive and Deadly: A Nationwide Manhunt
Riess's ability to evade capture was astonishing. She used a combination of aliases, disguises, and stolen vehicles to stay ahead of law enforcement. The nationwide manhunt for her intensified, with the FBI offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to her arrest.

The Arrest and Verdict
After months of relentless searching, Riess was finally apprehended in South Padre Island, Texas, on March 9, 2016. A task force of over 100 law enforcement officers had tracked her down after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen.

Riess was charged with multiple counts of murder, grand theft, and identity theft. In May 2017, she was convicted on all charges and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Impact
Lois Riess's crimes left an immeasurable void in the lives of her victims and their loved ones. Her relentless pursuit of money and power came at the expense of innocent lives. The case highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in pursuing elusive and dangerous fugitives, and the devastating consequences of such crimes.

Conclusion
The story of Lois Riess is a cautionary tale of deception, manipulation, and the dark side of the human psyche. Her actions exposed the vulnerabilities of society and the fragility of life. The tireless efforts of law enforcement officers to bring her to justice serve as a testament to their dedication to protecting the public from harm.