Episode 07 — Bloody Luggage in Bali: Heather Mack
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Destination: Bali, Indonesia
Heather Mack, a wealthy teenager from Chicago, and her mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, arrived in Bali for what seemed like a luxurious tropical escape. But this vacation would take a dark turn...
In August 2014, Heather and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, were accused of brutally murdering her mother and stuffing her body into a suitcase, later abandoned in the trunk of a taxi outside their hotel in Bali. The investigation unraveled a twisted story of money, resentment, and hidden motives, culminating in both Heather and Tommy being sentenced to prison in Indonesia.
But seriously—what could drive a young woman to plot her own mother’s murder? Was it money, resentment, or something even darker? And where does Heather’s boyfriend fit into this twisted puzzle? Their relationship was anything but ordinary, and secrets were buried deep.
Heather Mack’s case has people questioning everything: justice, privilege, and just how far the bonds of family can bend before they snap. So, what went down in that luxury Bali suite? And what does this story say about the dark, messy side of wealth and family ties?
Listen to the full episode now.
What the hell happened with Heather Mack and Sheila Von-Wiese in Bali, Indonesia
About Heather…
➙ 19 years old when convicted
➙ Daughter of jazz composer, James Mack
➙ From Oak Park, Illinois
➙ Currently 29 years old
About Sheila…
➙ Full name was Sheila Ann von Wiese
➙ 62 years old
➙ From Minneapolis, Minnesota
Everything we mention on
Episode 07 of True Crime Travelers
If you haven’t listened yet, listen here:
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▸Both Heather and her boyfriend, Tommy Schafer were arrested in Bali.
SOURCE: NBC NEWS
▸Sheila and Heather traveling first class together.
SOURCE: COOK COUNTRY CHRONICLE▸Indonesian police inspecting the bloody luggage left by Heather and Tommy.
SOURCE: BBC NEWS INDONESIAWHERE IT HAPPENED…
▸This story happened in Nusa Dua, an area in the South of Bali famous for its luxurious and family-friendly resorts.
▸Heather and Sheila stayed at the St. Regis Hotel in Nusa Dua.
SOURCE: BOOKING.COMBONUS!
▸ABC News did a story on life inside Kerobokan, watch it here for a glimpse inside Bali’s infamous prison.
Hey witches, do you have a tip or a piece of information
related to the case that we should know?
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We’re not here to scare you,
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Mini-bucket list of the best things to do in Bali 🌴
Bali is a very safe destination, and it’s incredibly friendly for solo travelers too.
But first, let’s talk about Nusa Dua…the specific area where this case took place.
Nusa Dua is one of Bali’s most touristic areas. There’s really nothing here except for luxurious hotels and resorts like the St. Regis, where Sheila and Heather stayed. So unless you want to go lock yourself up in a beautiful hotel for a few days…I don’t really recommend going to Nusa Dua, especially when the rest of the island is such a magical place waiting to be explored.
💜 Alexa and I always say:
If you visit Bali and you think it’s too touristy, it’s because you’re traveling like a tourist.
Sure, Bali is such a beloved and iconic destination that some parts of the island can feel too crowded and too seen.
But, the real Bali is still there and very much alive and all you have to do is explore beyond those areas too!
These are our favorite adventures in Bali:
Go fishing with locals at 5 am in Amed, on the NorthEastern coast of the island.
Take a Batik class in Ubud with Threads of Life, an organization that works with artisans all over Indonesia.
Do a Water Purification Ceremony, you can do it at the beautiful Tirta Empul temple, or a local temple for more of a unique experience.
Go on a DIY motorbike exploration of Sidemen, a beautiful area on the NorthEast area of the island that remains more authentic.
Go on a DIY Balinese Food Tour, like the one we did on this video.
Seriously, I could talk to you about Bali all day long, but that would make this post too long. Oops.
👉 But you can get all of our Bali wisdom in our Bali Travel Guide.
👉 Or even better yet, Alexa and I can plan your Bali trip for you here.
Join Girls in Bali, the #1 most supportive community
for girls living in Bali or traveling to Bali.
What do you think happened?
Do you have any other theories?
Join us on Reddit to discuss this case!
See you on the next episode of True Crime Travelers…
xo, Alexa & Emilia
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