Photo: KCRG-TV
(Jones County, IA) -- The second of two prisoners charged with killing two Anamosa State Penitentiary workers has been sentenced to life in prison. Michael Dutcher appeared in a Jones County courtroom this (Wednesday) morning to enter a guilty plea to murder, kidnapping, and other charges. He had originally planned to plead not guilty but changed the plea to guilty. Prosecutors say Dutcher, along with inmate Thomas Woodard killed nurse Lorena Schulte and correctional officer Robert McFarland during a failed prison escape in March.
Prior to sentencing, several people read victim impact statements.
The sister of Lorena Schulte described the shock of learning about the brutal murders, and the difficulty of coping with the grief for her and her family.
A prison staffer also read an victim impact statement, speaking directly to Dutcher: "I do not feel you have once ounce of remorse for all the lives you have forever changed by your inhumane act of violence."
In August of this year, inmate Thomas Woodard was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Both Woodard and Dutcher have been ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the estates of Schulte and McFarland.