US EditionChicago Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend's Mother in Indonesia Pleads Not Guilty to U.S. Charges
Tommy Schaefer pleaded not guilty to federal charges including conspiracy and tampering in the 2014 Bali murder case linked to a $1.5 million trust fund motive.
- At a Thursday appearance, Tommy Schaefer pleaded not guilty in Chicago federal court to conspiracy and obstruction charges, with a January 2027 trial scheduled and custody maintained.
- The 2014 Bali 'suitcase murder' involved Sheila von Wiese-Mack's body found in a suitcase, with prosecutors saying Schaefer and Heather Mack plotted to access a $1.5 million trust fund.
- Schaefer was convicted in Bali and sentenced to 18 years, served 11, and was released and deported back to the U.S. on February 24, 2026.
- Federal authorities took Tommy Schaefer into custody in Chicago; he said he intends to represent himself, but Judge Matthew Kennelly warned that is `a really bad idea`, and Schaefer accepted a public defender for the initial hearing.
- More than 11 years after the killing, the case returned to U.S. courts, with FBI special agent Douglas DePodesta saying `The FBI is the long arm of the law and we remain committed to bringing violent criminals to justice,` and Mack and Schaefer will face `full accountability`.
28 Articles
28 Articles
An American man who murdered his mother-in-law in Bali has been released from prison due to good behavior and is now being deported to the United States.
Man accused of killing girlfriend’s mother, hiding body in suitcase in Bali pleads not guilty to U.S. charges
A Chicago man accused of helping his then-girlfriend kill her mother during a vacation in Indonesia has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in the United States.
Chicago man deported from Bali after prison release for murder arrested on flight back to US
Tommy Schaefer arrested on flight to U.S. facing federal murder conspiracy charges in 2014 Bali suitcase killing of girlfriend's mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack, prosecutors say.
Man Accused With Heather Mack in Bali Suitcase Murder Pleads ...
Chicago man extradited from Indonesia, charged with murder conspiracy
A Chicago man, convicted in Indonesia for his role in the 2014 killing of Sheila von Weise-Mack, has been returned to the United States and now faces federal charges, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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