Tommy Schaefer, a United States national convicted in the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack in Bali, was released from Kerobokan Class IIA Penitentiary on Tuesday (17 February) at 12 noon local time.
Officials confirmed that Schaefer was handed over to immigration authorities immediately after his release. Head of the Education and Training Section at Kerobokan Prison, Moretska Victor Noya, confirmed the process to reporters.
“Tommy Schaefer is completely ready to be released today,” Moretska said, as reported by JawaPos RadarBali.
She added that the release followed established procedures. “Only immigration picked him up,” she said, confirming that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was not involved in the transfer.
Kerobokan Prison Chief Hudi Ismono also confirmed that the prison had completed its responsibilities.
“Today, we have handed Tommy Schaefer over to immigration. Immigration will determine the next steps,” Hudi said on Tuesday, as quoted by MSN News.
Immigration authorities will now handle further administrative and legal procedures.
Sentence, Remission, and Prison Term
Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Denpasar District Court on 21 April 2015. He was convicted of murdering Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of his then-girlfriend, Heather Mack.
Despite the original sentence, Schaefer served approximately 12 years in prison. According to prison officials, he received remission totalling 75 months and 120 days, or about six years.
Hudi Ismono said the reduction was granted in accordance with regulations.
“Yes, he behaved well while in prison,” Hudi said.
During his time at Kerobokan Prison, Schaefer participated in educational and rehabilitation programmes organised by the institution. Officials stated that his release was conducted under full supervision and in compliance with legal procedures.
Heather Mack, who was also convicted in the case as an accessory to murder, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was released in November 2021 and deported to the United States, where she was taken into custody by the FBI.
Background of the 2014 Murder Case
The case began on 12 August 2014, when the body of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, 62, was discovered inside a suitcase in the boot of a taxi at the St. Regis Bali Resort Hotel in Nusa Dua, Badung.
Taxi driver Ketut Wirjana became a key witness after noticing bloodstains on the suitcase while waiting for passengers who did not return for more than an hour. Security personnel were alerted, and the police were contacted.
The victim’s body was found wrapped in a hotel bedsheet inside the suitcase. Injuries to her head, face, and hands indicated signs of physical violence and resistance.
Schaefer and Heather Mack were arrested the following day at another hotel approximately 10 kilometres from the scene.
During the trial, Schaefer admitted to striking Sheila with a fruit bowl during an argument at the hotel. He told the court he acted in self-defence. However, the panel of judges found him guilty of premeditated murder.
Court evidence and testimony were considered in reaching the verdict. Sheila von Wiese-Mack was the widow of jazz composer James L. Mack, who died in 2006.
Following Schaefer’s release and transfer to immigration authorities, prison officials confirmed that all procedures had been completed in accordance with Indonesian law.
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