Erin Lee Carr, the filmmaker behind the Max documentary I Am Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders, has drawn a comparison between Lois Riess and Gypsy Rose Blanchard – though not for the usual reasons.
This captivating true crime documentary explores the chilling murders carried out by Lois, a mother and grandmother from Minnesota who, in 2018, took the life of her husband, David Riess. As she fled from law enforcement, she encountered and subsequently murdered Pamela Hutchinson, a woman living in Florida.
On March 11, following her husband’s death, Lois forged David’s signature to transfer approximately $11,000 from his account into hers. At that time, she was entangled in a serious gambling addiction and was last spotted at the Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa, before her capture.
Lois then made her way to Fort Myers Beach in Florida, where she befriended Pamela, a woman who bore a remarkable resemblance to her. However, this friendship was merely a facade. Shortly after their introduction, Lois shot Pamela and stole her ID and credit cards before taking her vehicle and fleeing the scene.
While on the run, Riess continued to gamble until April 19, when authorities received information pinpointing her location at a restaurant near the US-Mexico border. After her arrest, Lois admitted guilt to the double murder and was handed two life sentences.
In her documentary, I Am Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders, Carr conducted her first interview with Lois from prison. Despite not disclosing it previously to anyone in her life, Lois now asserts that she was a victim of an abusive relationship.
She attributes her actions to mental health struggles, although this reasoning does not clarify the murder of Pamela. While the docuseries may not offer definitive answers, it invites viewers to form their own perspectives through new revelations about the woman behind the notorious headlines.
With previous works like I Love You, Now Die and Brittany vs Spears, Carr is well-versed in unusual true crime narratives.
She also directed Mommy Dead and Dearest, the notorious documentary focused on Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was eventually released from prison for her role in orchestrating the murder of her abusive mother, Dee Dee.
In a discussion with The Wrap, Carr shared her thoughts on the parallels between the two women, emphasizing that the connection lies not in their crimes, but in the fact that both projects involved interviewing incarcerated women who were candid about their violent actions.
Carr previously addressed the Gypsy Rose case in Mommy Dead and Dearest
Considering Lois’ assertions regarding her husband David’s mistreatment, Carr commented, “However, when you incorporate the Florida factor, the narrative complicates further.”
“Statistically, female killers do not typically target strangers unless they face extreme pressure or violence, often from a significant other. I was eager to uncover the full story and to understand how she managed to evade capture in Minnesota.”
The documentary maker elaborated on the challenges she encountered while conversing with Lois, stating, “I could sense her shame and her humanity.”
“During our discussions, we delved deeply into the abuse that occurred within her home. However, it was difficult as she hesitated to speak about Pam.”
“Lois claims that her actions were performed during a state of emotional and physical blackout or psychosis. Still, it’s challenging to perceive it that way considering the meticulous planning involved.”
“We need to comprehend the complexity of this situation. There were countless alternatives to the outcome, yet that was not the path taken,” Carr concluded.
I Am Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders is currently available for streaming on Max. For additional true crime updates, check out the Sweet Bobby case, the most outrage-inducing episode of Worst Ex Ever, and intriguing insights excluded from the Menendez brothers documentary.
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