Tommy Schaefer, a U.S. citizen infamously dubbed the 'suitcase murderer,' has been released by Indonesian authorities after serving 11 years for his role in the murder of Sheila von Wiese Mack. Schaefer was initially sentenced to 18 years in prison for his part in the gruesome crime, where Mack's body was discovered in a suitcase in the trunk of a taxi in Bali in 2014. The crime, which shocked both local and international communities, was motivated by attempts to access a significant inheritance reportedly worth nearly €1.5 million.

During the trial, it was revealed that Schaefer confessed to striking von Wiese Mack with a fruit bowl, leading to her death. His accomplice, Heather Mack, von Wiese Mack's daughter, was also charged and received a ten-year sentence for aiding in the murder. However, she was released early for good behavior in 2021, only to be detained upon her return to the U.S., where she received a 26-year sentence in 2024. This case has attracted media attention globally, especially due to its sensational nature involving inheritance and the harrowing discovery of the body.

Schaefer's early release, attributed to good behavior, raises questions about the Indonesian justice system and the handling of such serious crimes. His deportation to the U.S. occurred shortly after his release, as part of the agreement surrounding his incarceration and reflects Indonesia's policies on foreign prisoners. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in international crime cases and their lasting impact on those involved, both victims and perpetrators alike.