Woman who killed mother and stuffed her in a suitcase, now faces federal charges

The woman who was just released from an Indonesian prison after serving seven years for killing her mother, now faces charges in the U.S.

Heather Mack was convicted in Indonesia of helping her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, murder her wealthy socialite mother while on vacation. The duo then hid the victim’s body in a suitcase and left it the trunk of a taxi.

Mack was released from prison last month after serving seven years behind bars. She is set to return to the U.S., but now federal charges await her.

The duo was indicted on federal conspiracy charges in 2017, but they were not unsealed until Nov. 3, 2021.

According to the indictments, the two plotted to kill the victim while they were in the U.S.

Investigators said in August 2014, Schaefer exchanged text messages with another man about different ways to kill the victim. Mack and Schaefer also exchanged messages where they discussed how and when to kill the victim.

On Aug. 12, Schaefer went into the hotel in Indonesia where Mack and the victim were already inside the room, according to the indictments. There, they killed the victim and put her body in a suitcase. The duo then left the victim’s body in the trunk of a taxicab.

The warrant for their arrest was issued in 2017, and its unclear if it placed a part in Mack’s release after serving 70 percent of her 10-year-sentence in Indonesia. Schaefer was sentenced to 17 years in prison.