Accused killer Lois Riess denied bond during first court appearance

Accused Fort Myers Beach murderer Lois Riess was booked into the Lee County Jail Saturday night after arriving back from Texas.

During her scheduled court appearance Sunday morning, the judge announced Riess will be held without bond until the pre-trial detention hearing, which will be within the next five days.

The defense team tried to make a case to wait on making a decision, but the judge denied the request. The state argued to hold Riess because they say she is a danger to the community and killed specifically to take the victim’s identity.

The state also pointed to new information they received about Riess and her health.

MORE: Accused killer Lois Riess heads back to FL to face murder charges

Riess had been on the run for two weeks after allegedly killing her husband in Minnesota and then traveling to Fort Myers Beach and killing a woman vacationing on the island.

Riess then fled to Texas where she was eventually captured.

MORE: Video shows moment accused Killer Lois Riess is arrested

Having waived her right to an extradition hearing, Lois Ann Riess was extradited to Southwest Florida and is in the custody of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Riess is currently held at the Lee County Jail awaiting trial.

“I know that I speak on behalf of Sheriff Scott when I say that we are relieved to have Lois Riess in our custody,” said Undersheriff Carmine Marceno. “Her arrest is the result of excellent teamwork between state and federal law enforcement agencies, our media partners and the entire community.”

MORE: SWFL reacts to Lois Riess’ arrest

Riess faces the following charges:

• Homicide (without premeditation)
• Grand theft of motor vehicle
• Larceny grand theft (less than $5,000)
• Fraud

Riess arrest report says she arrived at the jail at 8:15 p.m. Saturday.

Her court date is set for May 29 at 8:30 a.m.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

Riess withdrew $11,000 after allegedly killing her husband in Minnesota.

Traveled from Dodge County to Dubuque, Iowa (Diamond Jo Casino)

Actions unaccounted for between her journey from Iowa to Fort Myers Beach.

April 5: Seen at Smokin’ Oyster Brewery with Pamela Hutchinson

April 5-6: Pamela Hutchinson was killed in her Fort Myers Beach condo.

April 6: Riess walked inside a Wells Fargo Bank on Fort Myers Beach and withdrew $5,000 from Hutchinson’s account face to face with a teller, providing Hutchinson’s ID and credit card.

April 6-7: Riess checked into a Hilton in Ocala using Pamela’s ID, credit card, and signed her name. Stayed one night, left the next day.

April 7: Went to a bank in Ocala, withdrew $500 from Hutchinson’s account.

April 8: Hutchinson’s car spotted in Louisiana. Riess tried to get cash out at gas station – attempted to make a purchase and get $200, but transaction was declined.

April 8: Hutchinson’s car spotted driving through Refugio, Texas.

April 9: Lee County sheriff’s deputies called to a suspicious vehicle. Reiss’ Escalade found abandoned at Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach. Car registration records linked it to a match to someone wanted in Minnesota.

HOURS later: LCSO called to Marina Village for death investigation, found Pamela’s body.

April 19: Riess was captured by authorities on South Padre Island, Texas.

April 21: Riess has first court appearance in Texas.

April 22-27: Riess is transported from Texas to Florida

April 28: Lois Riess is booked into the Lee County Jail