Lois Riess
{{Short description|American convicted murderer}}
{{good article}}
{{Cite check|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox serial killer
| name = Lois Riess
| image = File:Lois-riess-1-mugshot.jpg
| birthname = Lois Ann Witte
| caption = Mug shot of Lois Riess
| alias = Killer Grandma
Losing Streak Lois
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1962|2|28}}
| birth_place = Rochester, Minnesota, United states
| death_date =
| height =
| cause =
| victims = Pamela Hutchinson
David Riess
| country = U.S.
| beginyear = 2018
| endyear = 2018
| apprehended = August 11, 2018
| conviction = 2 counts of first-degree murder
| sentence = 2 life sentences without the possibility of parole
| weapon = Pistol
| spouse = {{marriage|David Riess|1986|2018}}
| children = 3, including Braden
| conviction_status = Incarcerated at MCF Shakopee
| parents = William "Bill" Witte (father)
Donna Witte (mother)
}}
Lois Ann Riess (née Witte; born 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" and "Losing Streak Lois" by media outlets, Riess's case drew widespread attention due to its shocking details and her ability to elude law enforcement for weeks.{{Cite web |last=Arkin |first=Daniel |date=May 3, 2018 |title=Fugitive grandma Lois Ann Riess is a 'good lady' with 'demons,' son says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fugitive-grandma-lois-ann-riess-good-lady-demons-son-says-n871026 |website=NBC News}}{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=Derrick |date=2018-04-14 |title='Losing Streak Lois' had apparent gambling addiction, police say |url=https://winknews.com/2018/04/13/losing-streak-lois-apparent-gambling-addiction-police-say/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=WINK News |language=en-US}}
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 was given 2 life in prison sentences (one for each murder) without the possibility of parole.{{Cite web |last=Braun |first=Michael |title=Lois Riess pleads guilty to 2018 homicide of Pamela Hutchinson, gets life sentence |url=https://www.news-press.com/story/news/2019/12/17/lois-riess-pleads-guilty-2018-fort-myers-beach-murder-pamela-hutchin/2619089001/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=The News-Press |language=en-US}} Her case has been the subject of an HBO documentary, podcasts, and in-depth media coverage, highlighting issues such as identity theft, elder criminality, and the challenges of tracking fugitives.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.hbo.com/im-not-a-monster-the-lois-riess-murders |title=I'm Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders {{!}} Official Website for the HBO Series {{!}} HBO.com |language=en-us |access-date=2024-12-11 |via=www.hbo.com}}{{Cite web |last=Waxman |first=Olivia B. |date=2024-10-15 |title=The Lois Riess HBO Documentary |url=https://time.com/7086222/im-not-a-monster-lois-riess-murders-hbo-explained/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=TIME |language=en}} Riess has been serving two life sentences at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee since 11 August 2020.{{Cite web |date=11 August 2020 |title=Department of Corrections |url=https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/OffenderDetails/Index/261862/Search |access-date=14 April 2025}}
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.
Riess married David Riess at the age of 20, and the couple settled in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, after relocating from their hometown of Rochester, building what appeared to be a stable life together.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=Lois Riess’ Twisted Spiral from Minnesota Grandma to Fugitive Murderer |url=https://www.biography.com/crime/a62567271/lois-riess-story |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Biography |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Geddes |first=Jennifer Kelly |date=2024-10-15 |title=Inside 'Murder Home' Where Lois Riess Brutally Killed Her Husband—as She Gets Set To Tell Her Tale in New HBO Documentary |url=https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/lois-riess-murder-house-hbo/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Real Estate News & Insights {{!}} realtor.com® |language=en-US}} They had three children: two sons and a daughter and operated a worm farm business, which provided a modest but steady income.{{Cite web |last=Tisdale |first=Jennifer |date=2024-10-16 |title=Lois Riess Became Known as the Killer Grandma — Her Son Said She "Had Her Demons" |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/lois-riess-children? |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Distractify |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2018-11-02 |title=Inside the ‘Losing Streak Lois’ Case: Gambling Debts, a Worm Farm, and a Doppelganger |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/casinos-a-worm-farm-and-a-doppelganger-the-crazy-case-against-lois-ann-riess/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=The Daily Beast |language=en}} Riess was known to be an avid gambler,that eventually grew into a gambling addiction.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=Lois Riess’ Twisted Spiral from Minnesota Grandma to Fugitive Murderer |url=https://www.biography.com/crime/a62567271/lois-riess-story |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Biography |language=en-US}}
In 2015, authorities in Dodge County, Minnesota, initiated an investigation into Riess after evidence emerged that she had misappropriated tens of thousands of dollars from her disabled sister's accounts. Court documents revealed that Riess exploited her guardianship role, siphoning money to fuel her gambling habit. An audit uncovered specific transactions, including payments to a deceased relative, withdrawals for personal "guardian fees" totaling $8,500, and $15,000 allocated as supposed gifts to nieces and nephews. Much of the stolen money was traced to casino expenditures, aligning with Riess's well-documented gambling addiction.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-26 |title=Documents Show Lois Riess Stole Thousands From Disabled Sister In 2015 - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lois-riess-court-documents/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}
In September 2015, a social worker filed an emergency petition to revoke Riess's guardianship after these discrepancies came to light. Although law enforcement considered criminal charges for felony theft, no prosecution followed at that time. Instead, a civil judgment was issued in 2017, ordering Riess to repay $100,534 to her sister. This amount remained unpaid as of her later criminal activities in 2018, according to court records.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-26 |title=Prior to alleged murders, Lois Riess stole more than $30,000 from disabled sister |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/prior-to-alleged-murders-lois-riess-stole-more-than-30000-from-disabled-sister |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul |language=en-US}}
Crimes
= Murder of David Riess =
File:Murder of David Riess.jpeg
David Riess was found dead on March 23, 2018, at their home in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.{{Cite web |date=2018-06-19 |title=Documents Detail Journey Of MN Woman Accused Of Killing Husband - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lois-riess-documents-detail-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Rosengren |first=John |date=2020-09-22 |title=The Pretender |url=https://magazine.atavist.com/the-pretender-lois-reiss-minnesota-florida-gambling-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=The Atavist Magazine |language=en-US}}
Authorities determined that Lois Riess had forged David's signature on checks and withdrawn $11,000 from his account before fleeing the state.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=She killed her husband before going on the run. Now, she’s speaking out |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/lois-riess-documentary-murder-husband-b2629645.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=The Independent |language=en}} Evidence collected at the scene suggested the crime was premeditated, with Lois allegedly planning to use the stolen funds to finance her escape.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Paul |date=2018-03-30 |title=Charge: SE. Minnesota woman, still missing, stole at least $11K from dead husband's bank account |url=https://www.startribune.com/charge-se-minnesota-woman-still-missing-stole-at-least-11k-from-dead-husband-s-bank-account/478305873? |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=www.startribune.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Montoya |first=Michael Braun and Melissa |title=Texas sheriff: Fort Myers Beach homicide suspect Lois Riess is on her way to Florida |url=https://www.news-press.com/story/news/crime/2018/04/26/cameron-county-texas-sheriff-lois-riess-picked-up-killer-grandmother-lois-riess-her-way-texas-face-c/554004002/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=The News-Press |language=en-US}} 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 was considered potential motives for the crime.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=‘Monster’ Granny Murdered Her Husband And A Lookalike Woman To Feed Gambling Addiction |url=https://www.oxygen.com/injustice-with-nancy-grace/crime-news/lois-riess-killed-husband-david-lookalike-pamela-hutchinson |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Oxygen Official Site |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Relative of victim killed by woman on alleged crime spree 'afraid' she'll kill again |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/relative-victim-killed-woman-alleged-crime-spree-afraid/story?id=54579178 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=ABC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Amy Lieu |first=Kathleen Joyce |date=2018-04-19 |title='Losing Streak Lois' Riess, wanted for murders, arrested in Texas after weeks-long search |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/losing-streak-lois-riess-wanted-for-murders-arrested-in-texas-after-weeks-long-search |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}
= Murder of Pamela Hutchinson =
File:AS PAMELA-HUTCHINSON OP.jpg
Pamela Diane Sellers Hutchinson was a 59-year-old native of Columbus County, North Carolina.{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=The News |date=2024-12-12 |title=Pamela Sellers Hutchinson |url=https://www.nrcolumbus.com/obituaries/pamela-sellers-hutchinson/article_efece286-634e-594c-804d-e3ef9bae893e.html |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=NRcolumbus.com |language=en}}
After leaving Minnesota, Lois Riess was captured on surveillance video at Smokin' Oyster Brewery in Fort Myers Beach. On April 5, 2018, she murdered 59-year-old Pamela Hutchinson in a rental condo located in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-17 |title=Surveillance video shows fugitive Lois Riess befriending Florida victim |url=https://www.fox26houston.com/news/surveillance-video-shows-fugitive-lois-riess-befriending-florida-victim? |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=FOX 26 Houston |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Silverman |first=Keith Allen,Hollie |date=2018-07-04 |title=Florida to seek death penalty against grandmother accused of killing a woman to steal her identity |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/04/us/florida-riess-death-penalty/index.html |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Dolcimascolo |first=Carolyn |date=2023-10-26 |title=Opening the files on the case against the Killer Grandma, Lois Riess |url=https://winknews.com/2023/10/26/lois-riess-prosecutor-talks/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=WINK News |language=en-US}} 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,{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2018 |title=Bradenton woman killed for her identity, authorities say |url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2018/04/17/bradenton-woman-killed-for-her-identity-authorities-say/12673575007/ |website=heraldtribune}} 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 with bullets in her back and chest a week later by Maintenance staff, investigating a water-related problem in the building, had been conducting door-to-door checks when they detected a strong, unpleasant odor emanating from the unit, indicating a serious issue.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=‘Monster’ Granny Murdered Her Husband And A Lookalike Woman To Feed Gambling Addiction |url=https://www.oxygen.com/injustice-with-nancy-grace/crime-news/lois-riess-killed-husband-david-lookalike-pamela-hutchinson |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Oxygen Official Site |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Cullinane |first=Susannah |date=2018-04-17 |title=Grandmother accused of killing her husband may also have killed a woman to steal her identity |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/17/us/lois-riess-manhunt/index.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=CNN |language=en}} After the murder, Riess stole several of Hutchinson's belongings, including her identification, credit cards, and vehicle, which she used to aid her escape.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-17 |title='Killer Grandma' Lois Riess Pleads Guilty To Murdering Florida Woman, Stealing Her Identity - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lois-riess-pleads-guilty-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-1st-degree-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-16 |title=Hanover family says woman wanted for murder, identity theft is ‘pure evil’ |url=https://www.wtvr.com/2018/04/16/pamela-hutchinson-dead-lois-riess-wanted-for-murder-identify-theft |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR |language=en}}
Fugitive and arrest
Following the murder, Riess was captured on surveillance footage using Hutchinson's identification and credit cards to make various purchases. Riess also drove Hutchinson's white Acura TL across state lines.{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=Meagan |date=April 20, 2018 |title=Lois Riess, sought in the deaths of her husband and look-alike, is captured after a nationwide manhunt |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/04/20/lois-riess-sought-in-the-deaths-of-her-husband-and-look-alike-captured-after-nationwide-manhunt/ |website=The Washington Post}}{{Cite web |last=Strassmann |first=Mark |date=2018-04-16 |title=Nationwide hunt underway for Lois Riess, grandmother and accused killer - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lois-riess-nationwide-hunt-underway-for-grandmother-accused-killer-2018-04-16/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} Riess evaded law enforcement for weeks, traveling across the southern United States and staying in various hotels and casinos,{{Cite web |last=Selk |first=Avi |date=April 17, 2018 |title=Wanted: This gambling grandmother who impersonated a look-alike — then killed her, police say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/true-crime/wp/2018/04/16/a-grandmother-befriended-a-woman-who-looks-like-her-stole-her-id-and-killed-her-police-say/ |website=washingtonpost}} while her case was featured on programs such as Dateline NBC and ABC's 20/20.{{Cite web |title=FULL EPISODE: The Woman at the Bar |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/full-episode-the-woman-at-the-bar-165029957722 |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Barney |first=Chuck |date=2021-01-29 |title=TV tonight: ‘Dateline NBC’ delves into the search for ‘killer grandma’ |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/01/29/tv-tonight-dateline-nbc-delves-into-the-search-for-killer-grandma/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}} The stolen items and vehicle played a crucial role in helping authorities trace Riess's movements.{{Cite web |last=Chappell |first=Bill |date=April 20, 2018 |title=Lois Riess, 'Fugitive Grandmother' Wanted In 2 Killings, Is Arrested In Texas |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/20/604384668/lois-riess-fugitive-grandmother-wanted-over-2-killings-is-arrested-in-texas |website=www.npr.org}}
On April 19, 2018, Riess was apprehended in South Padre Island, Texas, after a tip from someone who recognized her at a restaurant.{{Cite news |date=2018-04-20 |title=Lois Riess: Woman who 'murdered victim and stole her identity' arrested |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43835840 |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2018-04-20 |title='This is a stone-cold killer': 'Relief' after fugitive grandmother caught |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fugitive-grandmother-officials-express-relief-after-lois-ann-riess-caught-n867776 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=NBC News |language=en}} She was taken into custody without incident and extradited to Florida to face charges.{{Cite web |last=David |first=Kim|date=2020-07-06 |title=Lois Riess Returns To Minnesota to Face Murder Charges |url=https://krocnews.com/lois-riess-returns-to-minnesota-to-face-murder-charges/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=News Talk 1340 KROC-AM |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2019-12-19 |title=Extradition underway to bring convicted killer Lois Riess back to MN |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/extradition-underway-to-bring-convicted-killer-lois-riess-back-to-mn-youre-currently-editing-copy-url-compose/89-476c00c7-0084-452c-8950-cfbf00a72f7c |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2020-07-05 |title=Lois Riess Back In Minnesota To Face Charges In Connection To Husband's Murder - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/killer-grandma-lois-riess-back-in-minnesota-to-face-charges-in-connection-to-husbands-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}
= 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.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-17 |title=Former fugitive Lois Riess pleads guilty to Florida murder, sentenced to life |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/former-fugitive-lois-riess-pleads-guilty-to-florida-murder-sentenced-to-life/89-9d265a90-309a-4b99-9641-fcca2923f455 |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2020-08-11 |title=Convicted killer pleads guilty to Minnesota husband murder |url=https://apnews.com/national-national-general-news-95d06a67f35fcf2563ea639c8769b19e |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=AP News |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2020-08-11 |title=Lois Riess pleads guilty to husband's 2018 murder, accepts life sentence without parole |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/lois-riess-pleads-guilty-to-husbands-2018-murder-accepts-life-sentence-without-parole |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=FOX 9 |language=en-US}} The Florida trial also resolved any potential appellate issues, ensuring she would remain incarcerated for life.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-17 |title=Lois Riess Sentenced to Life in Prison for First Degree Murder |url=https://sao20.org/news-releases/lois-riess-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-first-degree-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=State Attorneys Office}}{{Cite web |date=2019-12-17 |title=Former fugitive Lois Riess pleads guilty to Florida murder, sentenced to life |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/former-fugitive-lois-riess-pleads-guilty-to-florida-murder-sentenced-to-life/89-9d265a90-309a-4b99-9641-fcca2923f455 |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US}}
After her sentencing in Florida,{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=2018-04-23 |title=Woman held in 2 deaths likely to be extradited to Florida |url=https://cbs12.com/news/local/woman-held-in-2-deaths-likely-to-be-extradited-to-florida |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=WPEC |language=en}} Riess was extradited to Minnesota to face charges for the murder of her husband.{{Cite web |last=Stoll |first=Mike |date=2019-12-17 |title=Riess sentenced to life for first-degree murder; Could be extradited to Minnesota |url=https://www.austindailyherald.com/2019/12/reiss-sentenced-to-life-for-first-degree-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Austin Daily Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-03-04 |title=Lois Riess, Serving Life In Florida Prison For Woman's Murder, Extradited To Minnesota For Husband's Murder - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lois-riess-facing-life-in-florida-prison-for-womans-murder-extradited-to-minnesota-for-husbands-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} She pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Minnesota in 2020, receiving another life sentence without the possibility of parole.{{Cite web |title=Grandmother Admits Murdering Husband, then Killing Lookalike Woman to Steal Her Identity |url=https://people.com/crime/lois-riess-murdered-husband-before-killing-woman-steal-id/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=People.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2019-12-19 |title=Extradition underway to bring convicted killer Lois Riess back to MN |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/extradition-underway-to-bring-convicted-killer-lois-riess-back-to-mn-youre-currently-editing-copy-url-compose/89-476c00c7-0084-452c-8950-cfbf00a72f7c |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=She killed her husband before going on the run. Now, she’s speaking out |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/lois-riess-documentary-murder-husband-b2629645.html |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}}
Media coverage and legacy
Riess is currently incarcerated in a Florida state prison, serving her life sentences.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-04 |title=Lois Riess, Serving Life In Florida Prison For Woman's Murder, Extradited To Minnesota For Husband's Murder - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lois-riess-facing-life-in-florida-prison-for-womans-murder-extradited-to-minnesota-for-husbands-murder/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}
- 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.{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Marc |title=Documentary ‘I’m Not A Monster: The Lois Riess Murders’ Debuts On HBO On October 15 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2024/10/07/documentary-im-not-a-monster-the-lois-riess-murders-debuts-on-hbo-on-october-15/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-04 |title=HBO Original Two-Part Documentary I’M NOT A MONSTER: THE LOIS RIESS MURDERS Debuts October 15 |url=https://press.wbd.com/na/media-release/hbo-original-two-part-documentary-im-not-monster-lois-riess-murders-debuts-october-15?language_content_entity=en |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Pressroom |language=en}}
- ABC's 20/20: The Killer Grandma.{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Brooke |date=January 29, 2021 |title=What to Watch Friday: True crime specials on a sleepwalk murder and a ‘killer grandma’ |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/tv-movies//warm-tv-blog/article248833339.html |website=newsobserver}}
- Dateline NBC: The Woman at the Bar.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-29 |title=Dateline NBC to focus on Lois Riess murder saga |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/dateline-nbc-to-feature-lois-riess-murder-saga/89-b522f47b-f25f-4c96-a6e9-bb7096dd059c |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Shea |first=Paul SheaPaul |date=2023-03-13 |title='Killer Grandma' A Minnesota Murderer Was Featured On Dateline Sunday |url=https://minnesotasnewcountry.com/killer-grandma-a-minnesota-murderer-was-featured-on-dateline-sunday/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=98.1 - Minnesota's New Country |language=en}}
= Podcast =
- #256 "Losing Streak Lois"{{Cite web |last=Development |first=PodBean |title=#256 "Losing Streak Lois" {{!}} True Crime Guys |url=https://truecrimelasvegas.podbean.com/e/256-losing-streak-lois/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=truecrimelasvegas.podbean.com |language=en}}
- Episode 104: The Killer Grandma of Minnesota{{Cite web |date=Dec 13, 2023 |title=Episode 104: The Killer Grandma of Minnesota |url=https://www.audible.com/podcast/Episode-104-Lois-Riess-The-Killer-Grandma-of-Minnesota/B0CQ3RNH8J? |website=Audible (service)}}
- The Murders of Lois Riess{{Cite web |title=The Murders of Lois Riess {{!}} Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-murders-of-lois-riess/id1261679921?i=1000492067537 |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-US}}
- 32. Lois Riess -- The Worm Has Turned{{Cite web |last=Prosecutors |first=The |date=Sep 28, 2020 |title=32. Lois Riess -- The Worm Has Turned |url=https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/176537ab-4ffb-4617-93e6-476bdebf9b32/episodes/e424a95c-ed00-4442-83dc-584d6b3483ef/the-prosecutors-32-lois-riess----the-worm-has-turned?utm_source |website=music.amazon.com}}
= Magazine =
- John Rosengren (2020).THE PRETENDER, People in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, thought Lois Riess was a nice wife and grandmother. If she had a vice, it was playing the slots. Then she committed murder.{{Cite web |last=Rosengren |first=John |date=2020-09-22 |title=The Pretender |url=https://magazine.atavist.com/the-pretender-lois-reiss-minnesota-florida-gambling-murder/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=The Atavist Magazine |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=The Pretender {{!}} John Rosengren |url=https://johnrosengren.net/pretender/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=johnrosengren.net}}