LEE COUNTY, Fla. - After waiving her right to an extradition hearing, Lois Ann Riess has been extradited to Southwest Florida.
Lois Riess was facing second-degree murder charges in Rochester, Minnesota in the shooting death of her husband, David Riess, in March. She then allegedly fled to Southwest Florida, where she befriended 59-year-old Pamela Hutchinson, of Bradenton, and targeted her due to their similar appearance.
Investigators said Riess murdered Hutchinson in Fort Myers Beach, then took her ID and car and fled Southwest Florida. She was believed to have traveled through the Gulf coast states to Corpus Cristi, Texas.
Riess was arrested in South Padre, Texas. US Marshals received a tip saying she was in the area. They found her at a local restaurant where she was sitting by herself when the deputies arrested her.
The U.S. Marshal's service was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Riess's arrest.
Her charges include:
- Homicide
- Vehicle Theft
- Grand Theft
- Fraud - Impersonation
Her scheduled trial date is May 29, 2018.
