Anamosa, Iowa — A second inmate has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a nurse and guard during an escape attempt at the Anamosa State Penitentiary in March. Twenty-eight-year-old Michael Dutcher had originally pleaded not guilty and indicated he would claim he acted in self-defense.
Dutcher instead pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to two counts of first degree murder. Robert McFarland’s wife, Sara, gave a victim impact statement in court Wednesday.
Colten, one of McFarland’s sons, addressed Dutcher.
Stephanie Schulte, the mother of prison nurse Lorena Schulte Dutcher killed, said her daughter had a calling to help others.
The nurse’s sister, Gretchen, told Dutcher he had created a bottomless void in her family’s life
Dutcher also pleaded guilty to attempted murder for attacking a fellow inmate and to kidnapping another prison employee in the Anamosa prison’s infirmary. Lori Mathis directly addressed Dutcher in her written remarks, which were read in court by a colleague.
Mathis said she has recovered from the serious physical injuries she suffered in March, but her mental wounds remain. The judge who sentenced Dutcher Wednesday asked Dutcher if he had a statement.
The other inmate involved in the attack was sentenced to life in prison earlier this month. Dutcher will be transferred to a prison in Missouri.
