‘I’m Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders’ Docuseries: Premiere, Trailer and More

HBO’s true crime docuseries I’m Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders will feature convicted murderer Lois Reiss discussing the murder of her husband, David Riess, and friend Pamela Hutchinson. What crimes did Lois commit, what is the docuseries about and when does it premiere?

What Crimes Did Lois Reiss Commit?

Lois’ husband, David, was found dead at the age of 54 on March 23, 2018, after being shot multiple times in his home in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.

Lois was nowhere to be found following his death, and it was revealed she fled to Florida amid the homicide investigation. Once she was in Florida, she created a friendship with a woman named Pamela after they bonded over their similar appearance.

Pamela was later found dead inside a hotel room in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on April 6, 2018, and local authorities said they believed Lois shot her in order to steal her identity. Police found Pamela’s purse in Lois’ abandoned hotel room, and her car keys were missing.

Lois was on the run for nearly two weeks before she was arrested in South Texas on April 19, 2018.

She pleaded guilty to David’s murder during a 2020 trial and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Meanwhile, she also pleaded guilty to Pamela’s murder during a separate 2019 trial and was sentenced to life behind bars.

What Is ‘I’m Not a Monster’ About?

I’m Not a Monster: The Lois Riess Murders will feature Lois revealing why she committed the murders for the first time.

Lois “admits to killing David, pointing to alleged emotional abuse in the relationship, but is unable to justify her methodical, well-planned crime spree that followed, which included embezzling funds, a second murder of a stranger, identity theft and a callous, detailed coverup of her crimes,” according to a press release.

The docuseries – which was directed by Erin Lee Carr – will also look into Lois’ motives and mindset as her family members, friends and witnesses “recount their impressions of the likable grandmother.” The press released adds, “Carr uncovers a deeply troubled past, an extensive gambling addiction, a strained marriage, and a family rocked by mental illness, suicide, and substance abuse.”

What Happens in the ‘I’m Not a Monster’ Trailer?

In the trailer, Lois was remembered as a “kind, loving person” by those who knew her before the murders.

Lois claimed that she experienced “years and years of abuse” during her marriage to David. “I just snapped,” she said while recalling her decision to kill him.

“I wasn’t running. I wasn’t hiding. I was just in and out of real life,” she added about her decision to flee Minnesota. “I ended up in Florida.”

While discussing Pamela’s death, Lois insisted that she “never anticipated hurting that woman.”

“I don’t have all the memories and all the answers,” Lois continued about her crimes.

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The trailer concluded with Lois breaking down in tears as she said she had never done an interview and hoped that sharing her story was the “right thing to do.”

When Does ‘I’m Not a Monster’ Premiere?

The two-part docuseries airs on HBO on October 15 and October 16, 2024. It will also be available to stream on Max.