Tommy Schaefer Deported from Indonesia After 11 Years in Bali Jail

Indonesia has deported Tommy Schaefer, who spent 11 years in prison for the high-profile «suitcase murder» of his girlfriend’s mother on Bali.

In 2014, Schaefer was on holiday in Bali with his girlfriend Heather Mack and her mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack. The pair conspired to kill von Wiese-Mack, reportedly to gain access to a $1.5 mln trust fund. Her body was later found stuffed in a suitcase.

Schaefer, 33, was released from a Bali prison on Tuesday after receiving remissions for good behaviour. He is due to face federal charges in the U.S. and will appear in court in Chicago on Thursday. Before boarding his flight, he apologised to the victim’s family, saying,

«I was thrust into this situation, but I take full responsibility for everything I have done and I hope Sheila’s family finds peace.»

Trial and Sentencing

In 2015, an Indonesian court sentenced Schaefer to 18 years and Mack to 10 years for what the judge described as a «sadistic» killing. Prosecutors said Mack, 18 at the time and pregnant, held her mother’s mouth while Schaefer struck her with a fruit bowl. The body was left in the boot of a taxi, and the couple was later found at another hotel.

Schaefer, then 21, claimed he acted in self-defence after von Wiese-Mack discovered her daughter was pregnant. Mack received a shorter sentence due to her lesser role and because she gave birth during the trial.

Aftermath and U.S. Charges

Mack was deported to the U.S. in 2021, immediately arrested and charged with conspiracy to kill a U.S. national and obstruction of justice. She eventually received a 26-year sentence. Over the years, Mack has spoken to the media from prison, recounting the incident and her difficult relationship with her mother.