JAKARTA — Indonesia has deported an American man who spent 11 years in jail for the high-profile murder of his then-girlfriend’s mother on the resort island of Bali, but he is still on the hook for federal charges back home.Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, a wealthy Chicago socialite, during a luxury vacation. The case became known as the Bali “ suitcase murder ” because her battered body was found in a suitcase in the trunk of a taxi at an upscale resort.The couple conspired to kill Wiese-Mack, reportedly to gain access to a $1.5m trust fund. Prosecutors have said Heather Mack covered her 62-year-old mother’s mouth while Schaefer bludgeoned her with a fruit bowl. Police in Bali arrested Mack, nearly 19 at the time and a few weeks pregnant, and the then-21-year-old Schaefer a day later.Schaefer was released from a Bali jail on Tuesday morning after receiving a number of remissions for good behavior. But the 33-year-old will still face federal charges in the US and is due to appear before the court in Chicago on Thursday, according to reports.Shortly before boarding his flight back to the US on Tuesday night, Schaefer apologized for his actions.”I’m sorry. I’m always sorry. I’m always sorry,” Tommy told AFP news agency.”I was thrust into this situation, but I take full responsibility for everything I have done and I hope Sheila’s family finds peace.”Schaefer said on trial that he had been defending himself after Wiese-Mack became angry after learning that her daughter was pregnant.Mack was given a shorter sentence due to her lesser role and because she gave birth to a baby while on trial, the Bali court heard.She too was released early and deported in 2021. She was arrested immediately upon arriving in the US and charged with conspiracy to kill a US national and obstruction of justice — and eventually sentenced to 26 years in jail.Mack originally pleaded not guilty to the US charges on conspiring to kill a US national, but changed her plea after the prosecutors offered to ask for a shorter sentence.Mack has given media interviews over the years from prison, where she recounted the incident and her troubled relationship with her mother. — AgenciesJAKARTA — Indonesia has deported an American man who spent 11 years in jail for the high-profile murder of his then-girlfriend’s mother on the resort island of Bali, but he is still on the hook for federal charges back home.Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, a wealthy Chicago socialite, during a luxury vacation. The case became known as the Bali “ suitcase murder ” because her battered body was found in a suitcase in the trunk of a taxi at an upscale resort.The couple conspired to kill Wiese-Mack, reportedly to gain access to a $1.5m trust fund. Prosecutors have said Heather Mack covered her 62-year-old mother’s mouth while Schaefer bludgeoned her with a fruit bowl. Police in Bali arrested Mack, nearly 19 at the time and a few weeks pregnant, and the then-21-year-old Schaefer a day later.Schaefer was released from a Bali jail on Tuesday morning after receiving a number of remissions for good behavior. But the 33-year-old will still face federal charges in the US and is due to appear before the court in Chicago on Thursday, according to reports.Shortly before boarding his flight back to the US on Tuesday night, Schaefer apologized for his actions.”I’m sorry. I’m always sorry. I’m always sorry,” Tommy told AFP news agency.”I was thrust into this situation, but I take full responsibility for everything I have done and I hope Sheila’s family finds peace.”Schaefer said on trial that he had been defending himself after Wiese-Mack became angry after learning that her daughter was pregnant.Mack was given a shorter sentence due to her lesser role and because she gave birth to a baby while on trial, the Bali court heard.She too was released early and deported in 2021. She was arrested immediately upon arriving in the US and charged with conspiracy to kill a US national and obstruction of justice — and eventually sentenced to 26 years in jail.Mack originally pleaded not guilty to the US charges on conspiring to kill a US national, but changed her plea after the prosecutors offered to ask for a shorter sentence.Mack has given media interviews over the years from prison, where she recounted the incident and her troubled relationship with her mother. — Agencies
American 'suitcase murderer' deported from Bali after 11 years in jail
