Tommy Schaefer, a U.S. national convicted in the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack in Bali, was released from Kerobokan Class IIA Penitentiary on Tuesday at 12 noon local time. He was immediately handed over to immigration authorities following his release.
Sentence, Remission, and Prison Term
Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Denpasar District Court on April 21, 2015, for the murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of his then-girlfriend, Heather Mack.
He ultimately served approximately 12 years, having received a total of 75 months and 120 days – roughly six years – in remission. Prison officials stated the reduction was granted in accordance with regulations and due to his good behavior while incarcerated.
“Yes, he behaved well while in prison,” said Hudi Ismono, Kerobokan Prison Chief.
During his imprisonment, Schaefer participated in educational and rehabilitation programs offered by the institution.
Background of the 2014 Murder Case
The body of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, 62, was discovered inside a suitcase in the trunk of a taxi at the St. Regis Bali Resort Hotel in Nusa Dua on August 12, 2014. Taxi driver Ketut Wirjana alerted security after noticing bloodstains on the suitcase when passengers failed to return for over an hour.
The victim was found wrapped in a hotel bedsheet, with injuries to her head, face, and hands indicating physical violence and resistance.
Schaefer and Heather Mack were arrested the following day at a hotel approximately 10 kilometers from the crime scene.
During the trial, Schaefer admitted to striking Sheila with a fruit bowl during an argument, claiming self-defense. However, the court found him guilty of premeditated murder.
Sheila von Wiese-Mack was the widow of jazz composer James L. Mack, who died in 2006.
Heather Mack, convicted as an accessory to the murder, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and released in November 2021. She was subsequently deported to the United States and taken into custody by the FBI.
Following Schaefer’s release, prison officials confirmed that all procedures were completed in accordance with Indonesian law. Immigration authorities will now handle further administrative and legal procedures.
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