There’s currently a nationwide search for a grandmother known to authorities as “Losing Streak Lois” underway, as the Blooming Prairie, Minnesota woman is believed to have killed her husband last month, as well as killing a Florida woman with the presumed motivation to steal her identity. According to CNN, 56-year-old Lois Riess was last seen near Corpus Christi, Texas on Sunday, while heading south on Highway 77.
Riess is purported to be a gambling addict with a reported penchant for visiting casinos—the origin story for her nickname, branded by law enforcement. She allegedly killed her husband in March before fleeing to Lee County, Florida, which brings us to her alleged second victim. The police reportedly believe Riess killed 59-year-old Pamela Hutchinson sometime between April 5 and April 9 in a Fort Myers condominium. Authorities found the body of her husband, David, on March 23.
The missing grandmother allegedly “smiles and looks like anyone’s mother or grandmother, and yet she’s calculated, she’s targeted and she’s an absolute cold-blooded killer,” according to Lee County Undersheriff Carmine Marceno. “Suspect Riess, at some point in time, will have no resources, and she will become more desperate and may kill again.”
According to Marceno, Hutchinson lost her life because of the misfortune of bearing an external resemblance to Riess. “Ms. Hutchinson was targeted by the suspect due to the similarities in their appearance,” he said during a news conference on Friday.
“Ms. Hutchinson’s purse was found to be in disarray and all cash, credit cards and identification appeared to have been removed,” said Marceno. “Riess’ mode of operation is to befriend women who resemble her and steal their identity.” He reiterated that Riess is a “dangerous fugitive.” In addition to her immediate personal items, Hutchinson’s 2005 white Acura TL with a Florida license reading “Y37TAA” was allegedly stolen. According to Marceno, Riess is currently wanted for murder, grand theft auto, grand theft and criminal use of personal identification. “Riess is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached,” he said.
Hutchinson’s cousin, Daniele Watts Jeffreys, reportedly told HLN’s Ashleigh Banfield that Hutchinson was in Fort Myers to spread the ashes of a recently deceased relative. “It’s actually a triple tragedy,” said Jeffreys. “Pam should have left the day before, and that would have actually had her alive. She stayed an additional day.”
