Daughter, Boyfriend Charged With Murder Of Mother In Bali
By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 15, 2014 1:45PM
Indonesian authorities said Friday Heather Mack and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer will stand trial in the death of Mack’s mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack. The body of Von Wiese-Mack, a former editor of Studs Terkel, was found stuffed in a suitcase in the trunk of a taxi in Bali earlier this week, where she, her daughter and Schaefer were on vacation.
Police said the charges were based on crime scene evidence and witness testimony. Surveillance camera footage captured von Wiese-Mack and Schaefer having an argument in the lobby on the day of the murder. Mack and Schaefer allegedly hired the taxi, placed the suitcase containing von Wiese-Mack’s body in the trunk, then told the driver they were checking out of the hotel, but never returned. The two have refused to speak with police and have requested an American attorney. That lawyer, Michael Elkin, said the charges have no merit. Mack underwent a psychiatric investigation and the couple are being tested for illegal drugs.
Elkin may need a crash course in Indonesian law as he prepares his defense. Mack and Schaefer were designated as prisoners after they were held for more than 48 hours. Haposan Sihombing, the couple’s court-appointed Indonesian lawyer, told Reuters due process must be followed. Under Indonesian law, a suspect may not be formally charged with a crime until after an investigation is complete and a trial begins.
Police spokesman Hery Wiyanto said investigators are looking into the possibility von Wiese-Mack’s murder was pre-meditated, which carries the death penalty in Indonesia. An autopsy determined von Wiese-Mack died from injuries sustained from being hit in the head with a blunt instrument. She also suffered a broken hand and had wounds on her forearms, indicating she resisted the attack.
Von Wiese-Mack and her daughter apparently had a contentious relationship. They were often spotted arguing in public. Mack and Schaefer were alleged to have used von Wiese-Mack’s credit card to party in a boutique hotel on Rush Street last month.