GUILTY IL - Sheila von Wiese Mack, 62, in suitcase in Bali, 12 Aug 2014 *fnd guilty in Bali* #6

[gitana1]

Tonight on Inside Edition the USA learns of Heather returning to this country. They try to slant it in her favor, but they're actually sending out a heads up to the public to take notice. For those that don't know about her murdering her mother, they'll know now.

They're showing pictures of Stella now. Oh goodness, she's adorable. MOO, it's best to leave Stella in Bali. She doesn't need to further pay for HM's crimes.

Heather Mack, American Heiress Who Killed Socialite Mother, Gets Early Prison Release, Attorney Says | Inside Edition

I feel like this woman essentially got away with murder. 7 years in prison. Got to have her kid with her for two of those years. Seemed pretty happy most of the time. And now she’s free.

I hope she can face charges in the US.

 

[everybodhi]

I feel like this woman essentially got away with murder. 7 years in prison. Got to have her kid with her for two of those years. Seemed pretty happy most of the time. And now she’s free.

I hope she can face charges in the US.

Government is notoriously corrupt here, it's understood and accepted by everyone who lives here.
She bought her way out of prison, there's no doubt about that.
Her mother's estate gave her $150,000 for legal fees in Bali in the deal to sign over her inheritance to her daughter.
That's over 160 million rupees here.
The average salary here is 3.5 million idr a month, or $250 USD.
I get more in SS than a doctor or lawyer makes in Bali.

 

[Curious Me]

I think we were wondering before if HM could face charges, upon returning to the US ... was it for misuse of the inheritance? I can't quite remember.

What I remembered first was TS's cousin. That was proof it was a premeditated plan.

It is possible she could be prosecuted in the US for a murder of a US citizen on foreign soil, I think it's highly unlikely but if I were her I would be afraid too.
Remember Tommy's cousin was prosecuted and imprisoned in 2017 in the US for conspiracy to commit murder of a US citizen on foreign soil...

Chicago Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Aiding His Cousin and Heather Mack in the Murder of Mack’s Mother in Bali, Indonesia | USAO-NDIL | Department of Justice

Thanks for the link. That's what I think. It's possible, but unlikely. Is the cousin still serving time and she's getting out with less time than him? Boy oh boy, that girl has had some good luck. Be great if they nabbed her the minute she arrives back in the states, but no sense getting my hopes up.

 

[everybodhi]

All across America people watching tv learned about Heather returning to the states. MOO, she'll be fine, you know she knows how to play it in all kinds of situations. She'll make up a new better version of why she had to kill her mother. As for Stella, that precious little girl, I really wish she could stay with "her" Bali family. It'll be harder for Stella here. JMO though.

Heather Mack, American Heiress Who Killed Socialite Mother, Gets Early Prison Release, Attorney Says | Inside Edition First Published: 11:46 AM PDT, August 24, 2021

from the article:
An Australian-Balinese woman named Oshar Putu Melody Suartama became Stella’s guardian. Suartama ,who is married to a Balinese man and has two other children, struck up a friendship with Mack while the pregnant teen while incarcerated. She brought her food and prenatal vitamins and paid for her medical care, People reported.

Mack will be deported back to the United States. It is unclear whether her daughter, who is now 6, will stay with her foster family in Indonesia or return to the States with Mack.

Mack told The New York Post that her daughter is unaware of the events leading to her parents' incarceration and grandmother’s death and said she was “fearful and nervous of returning to Chicago.”

I think the child will stay in Bali.
The Balinese government may be corrupt but they aren't stupid.
I can't see the US State Department fighting for Heather. jmo
Fingers crossed.

 

[everybodhi]

snipped
Is the cousin still serving time and she's getting out with less time than him? Boy oh boy, that girl has had some good luck. Be great if they nabbed her the minute she arrives back in the states, but no sense getting my hopes up.

Bibbs got 9 years in 2017 so he still has a ways to go. His charge is federal so he won't get out in half the time like state charges.
So yes, he will spend more time in prison than Heather and half the time of Tommy who got 18 years.

 

[Curious Me]

I think she'll probably have to watch her back in the coming years. Not everyone will forget over time that she was the one that made all the ugly for them happen.

MSN picked up the Chicago Sun article on their news feeds, so Heather's pic and murderous past is being broadcast out to the public. She's just one of the many criminals trying to live down their horrific crimes. "Suitcase Killer" is attached to her name all the time.

Heather Mack expected to return to US seven years after mother’s slaying — but will she walk free? - Chicago Sun-Times (suntimes.com)

 

[gitana1]

What I remembered first was TS's cousin. That was proof it was a premeditated plan.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Aiding His Cousin and Heather Mack in the Murder of Mack’s Mother in Bali, Indonesia | USAO-NDIL | Department of Justice

Thanks for the link. That's what I think. It's possible, but unlikely. Is the cousin still serving time and she's getting out with less time than him? Boy oh boy, that girl has had some good luck. Be great if they nabbed her the minute she arrives back in the states, but no sense getting my hopes up.

The feds went out of their way to charge a friend who didn’t commit the murder. I think there’s a good chance this woman is charged with something.

I think the child will stay in Bali.
The Balinese government may be corrupt but they aren't stupid.
I can't see the US State Department fighting for Heather. jmo
Fingers crossed.

Do they have the power to keep her?

I don’t get the government there. They put people to death for drugs but allow an actual murderer to walk free after a few years.

I truly hope the kid is not forced to leave with that monster. I’m way more worried about what SHE will do to the child as opposed to how finding out about her parents will affect the little girl.

Heather is crazy and evil.

 

[everybodhi]

The feds went out of their way to charge a friend who didn’t commit the murder. I think there’s a good chance this woman is charged with something.



Do they have the power to keep her?

I don’t get the government there. They put people to death for drugs but allow an actual murderer to walk free after a few years.

I truly hope the kid is not forced to leave with that monster. I’m way more worried about what SHE will do to the child as opposed to how finding out about her parents will affect the little girl.

Heather is crazy and evil.

This is not the place to tape kilos of heroin all over your body and get on a plane, that's for sure. Smaller amounts of drugs usually mean some time in Kerobokan then a deportation. Murder is very rare here.
Bali is different than the rest of Indonesia because it's 85% Hindus and Buddhists but it's still under Indonesian law.
Places like the Aceh region on Sumatra have Muslim sharia law and it's much less forgiving.
As far as the power to keep her in Bali, I think the foster parents are trying to talk her into leaving her here as if it's temporary and then when she's deported home, she won't be allowed back in.
Then what can she do?
Unless the State Dept gets to work for her to get her child back she's outta luck.
She's already signed custody over to a local family and if it goes to court here, the court would have to decide to take custody away from the family who has her and give her to a murderer, and she would need to pay a lot of money to fight it from the US.
The only way I see her getting her child back is if the foster parents willingly hand her over.
I've never heard of a foreigner win anything against a Balinese citizen in court here. Even if they're right.
Westerners who live here know it's always better to try to amicably work something out with the help and mediation of the head of your village than take anything to court.

 

[Kakidoll]

This is not the place to tape kilos of heroin all over your body and get on a plane, that's for sure. Smaller amounts of drugs usually mean some time in Kerobokan then a deportation. Murder is very rare here.
Bali is different than the rest of Indonesia because it's 85% Hindus and Buddhists but it's still under Indonesian law.
Places like the Aceh region on Sumatra have Muslim sharia law and it's much less forgiving.
As far as the power to keep her in Bali, I think the foster parents are trying to talk her into leaving her here as if it's temporary and then when she's deported home, she won't be allowed back in.
Then what can she do?
Unless the State Dept gets to work for her to get her child back she's outta luck.
She's already signed custody over to a local family and if it goes to court here, the court would have to decide to take custody away from the family who has her and give her to a murderer, and she would need to pay a lot of money to fight it from the US.
The only way I see her getting her child back is if the foster parents willingly hand her over.
I've never heard of a foreigner win anything against a Balinese citizen in court here. Even if they're right.
Westerners who live here know it's always better to try to amicably work something out with the help and mediation of the head of your village than take anything to court.

I'm sure she's counting on that money thats left to set herself up wherever. THAT is why should would want the child back. Or she'll do interviews, movie etc. for money. I hope NO ONE helps her back in Chicago. Although i'm sure she has pen pals willing to do a or whatever for her.

 

[Weezer Fan]

Suitcase killer expresses concerns for her daughter as she prepares for return to US | Daily Mail Online

"Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced last week that Mack will be released in October, nearly three years early, for good behavior."

"Mack will be deported immediately to the United States, however, she is considering leaving Stella with her foster family."

All that bluster about refusing to come back to the US might not be working. HM hasn't seen Stella in person since March 2020 because of COVID, although she does get to phone/video. I wonder if TS gets the same access.

TS's cousin may be getting out early as a combination of 'good' behavior and COVID.


btw...Hi everyone! Been a long time!

Hi back!! I must admit, this case is the only one I follow on Websleuths. I have google alert set for HM. Poor Stella, once again, will be a pawn. That little girl is screwed for ever having a normal life...in Indonesia or the US. With HM as a mom, her life will always be abusive, dramatic, and toxic.

 

[Weezer Fan]

‘Suitcase killer’ Heather Mack to be released in October - Oak Park

Another source saying October instead of November. No word about TS.

 

[Weezer Fan]

ETA link with quotes
According to Favia, Mack is "seriously" considering returning to Chicago with her daughter, but hasn't made any final determinations. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has indicated that it will deport Mack back to the United States once she is released

"I am fearful and nervous of returning to Chicago," she told the New York Post. "I'm not worried about the idea that people cannot understand the tragedy for my sake. But I'm nervous for Stella."

Mack has previously said she would consider allowing her daughter to remain in the care of her foster family, whom she has lived with since she was two years old.
nbcchicago.com/news/local/heather-mack-convicted-in-2014-murder-of-her-mother-in-bali-to-be-released-from-prison-report/2596421/%3famp

She has suggested she may leave her daughter with the Australian woman and her Balinese husband for another year because of her fears. They have raised her since she was 2 years old after she was no longer allowed to stay in prison with her mother.
I hope she does go without her daughter, I think she will have a difficult time getting her back if the child's current foster parents fight for her, but especially if she voluntarily leaves her behind as it's unlikely she will be allowed to re-enter Bali anytime soon, if ever.
After fighting for so long for her right to the estate of the mother she murdered, half of it's value has been drained by legal fees by the attorney executor who refused to give her the money.
She finally gave up and the remainder of the estate now goes to her daughter.
I live in Bali and can confidently say she is at a major disadvantage in a court here against a Balinese father and his Aussie wife who have had the child for years, (not to mention the unspoken influence on any decision of the inheritance staying in Bali to be spent on the child).
It's just a question of whether the foster parents will willingly hand her over to the mom without a court battle.
The local rumors are they will not but HM doesn't realize that, I hope it is true.
In my opinion, it would be a travesty for the girl to be taken from Bali now, and all the love she has here, it's all she knows, while also allowing her bio mom to manage her inheritance.

Thank you for the inside scoop. If the couple is raising Stella as their own, and treating her well, Stella would definitely be better off staying in Bali. I wonder if HM is saying she is considering leaving Stella in Bali, because she knows she is going straight to prison in the US once her big toe touches the soil. What would happen to Stella then?

 

[gitana1]

This is not the place to tape kilos of heroin all over your body and get on a plane, that's for sure. Smaller amounts of drugs usually mean some time in Kerobokan then a deportation. Murder is very rare here.
Bali is different than the rest of Indonesia because it's 85% Hindus and Buddhists but it's still under Indonesian law.
Places like the Aceh region on Sumatra have Muslim sharia law and it's much less forgiving.
As far as the power to keep her in Bali, I think the foster parents are trying to talk her into leaving her here as if it's temporary and then when she's deported home, she won't be allowed back in.
Then what can she do?
Unless the State Dept gets to work for her to get her child back she's outta luck.
She's already signed custody over to a local family and if it goes to court here, the court would have to decide to take custody away from the family who has her and give her to a murderer, and she would need to pay a lot of money to fight it from the US.
The only way I see her getting her child back is if the foster parents willingly hand her over.
I've never heard of a foreigner win anything against a Balinese citizen in court here. Even if they're right.
Westerners who live here know it's always better to try to amicably work something out with the help and mediation of the head of your village than take anything to court.

So good to know! So when she’s deported it will be immediately and she won’t have time to petition the court?

 

[gitana1]

Thank you for the inside scoop. If the couple is raising Stella as their own, and treating her well, Stella would definitely be better off staying in Bali. I wonder if HM is saying she is considering leaving Stella in Bali, because she knows she is going straight to prison in the US once her big toe touches the soil. What would happen to Stella then?

She would probably go to the paternal grandmother who seems like a nice enough woman.

 

[gitana1]

Hi back!! I must admit, this case is the only one I follow on Websleuths. I have google alert set for HM. Poor Stella, once again, will be a pawn. That little girl is screwed for ever having a normal life...in Indonesia or the US. With HM as a mom, her life will always be abusive, dramatic, and toxic.

I agree. Heather is personality disordered and evil. She’s a malignancy to everything and everyone she touches, IMO.

 

[Curious Me]

Stella looks very happy and well adjusted with her Bali family. I'd hate to see her used as a pawn by Heather. She has no real experience as a parent, and will be struggling to establish herself in the US, and it's not going to be easy. I'm afraid she may loose patience with Stella, or at the very least disrupt this little girl's well being. It worries me that there's financial intentions always from HM.

Can't remember the details.
How is the Trust money set up for Stella?

• Does some monthly payment towards her expenses go to the foster family on a monthly basis now?
• Would Heather be able to tap into Stella's Trust money if she does bring her to the US?
• Does Sheila's brother still have any say in matters of the estate?
• Will Heather be able to get her hands on any further estate money if she doesn't have custody of Stella?
• If HM went to prison in the US, would TS's mother, Stella's other grandmother, be able to get custody and some money from Stella's Trust to raise her?

 

[Weezer Fan]

I don't remember it ever being published how any money is being used for Stella, just that Stella is the beneficiary. I bet Sheila's bro made sure HM can't get her grubby hands on it. However, I don't know if he has anything to do with it at this time.

Tommy's mother, Kia Walker, tried to get custody of Stella. But it was weird. She waited until the last minute to try and she was not awareded custody.

 

[Curious Me]

...She's already signed custody over to a local family and if it goes to court here, the court would have to decide to take custody away from the family who has her and give her to a murderer, and she would need to pay a lot of money to fight it from the US.
The only way I see her getting her child back is if the foster parents willingly hand her over...

I would think she only signed over custody for a certain length of time or stipulated until she was released from prison. Really? You think she might have to fight to get Stella back? I won't lie, I'm liking what you're saying.

I've never heard of a foreigner win anything against a Balinese citizen in court here. Even if they're right.

Oh, really? Stella sure looks happy with her family in Bali. I honestly can't see her wanting to leave them. So, what you say is considered good news to me.

Do you happen to remember anything about Stella's part of the estate? Is it safe from Heather's greed?

 

[everybodhi]

I would think she only signed over custody for a certain length of time or stipulated until she was released from prison. Really? You think she might have to fight to get Stella back? I won't lie, I'm liking what you're saying.
Oh, really? Stella sure looks happy with her family in Bali. I honestly can't see her wanting to leave them. So, what you say is considered good news to me.

Do you happen to remember anything about Stella's part of the estate? Is it safe from Heather's greed?

I don't know much about adoption law but everything here is governed by religion. The child has been raised as a Hindu or Buddhist so can only live with a Hindu or Buddhist family. In order for the Aussie woman to marry a Balinese man she had to convert to his religion.
The requirement here is the parent must be able to provide for the physical, financial, and spiritual health of the child. I don't know if Heather can prove she can provide any of those things but the foster parents have already proven they can and they've had her for years which is also a factor.
This child is already under the auspices of the social ministry because she has been taken from her mother due to a murder conviction of her own family, bringing protection from violence into the picture. Heather has no family to back her up because she killed her mother. Family is everything here.

If Heather gets custody of Stella, the estate will support her as the child's gaurdian, most likely, by paying for Stella's living expenses.
That's how it normally works, unless Stella doesn't gain access until she's an adult.
Before she killed her mother, as an adult, Heather recieved a monthly benefit through a trust with the remainder of her inheritance to be given to her at 30 years old.
The terms of Stella's inheritance are confidential.

 

[Curious Me]

I don't know much about adoption law...

You know so much about what it is like there and what's important there. I find what you share fascinating. However, I don't think Stella was legally adopted by her "foster family" in Bali. It takes a lot here in the US to take a child away from their parent. If Heather can weasel any money from Stella's inheritance in Trust to live on, she will probably opt to take custody of the child and try to raise her. I hope every which way is blocked from her doing that.

I had to refresh my memory. Found an article from 2018.
You're right that the details and terms of Stella's inheritance are confidential. Hopefully, there some age limitations and Sheila's brother retained some control of disbursements.

Woman in Bali murder gives up claim to mother's estate | Daily Mail Online
PUBLISHED: 08:06 EDT, 21 June 2018
Mack was due to receive a regular income from her mother's estate until she turned 30 when she was to inherit $1.6 million, according to Sheila's will which named her as the sole heir.

But Sheila's brother William Wiese, the executor of Sheila's million-dollar estate, refused to pay out, citing the Illinois slayer statute which states if you're involved in a murder and you're a beneficiary of a trust of the person you murdered, you lose all rights as a beneficiary. The ensuing legal battle between Mack and the estate has already eaten up around half of Sheila's estate.

Finally, on Wednesday, both sides reached a settlement which states that Mack will not receive 'any property, benefit, or other interest.'

The sole beneficiary will be Mack's daughter, Stella, ...

This is interesting:
In the eyes of Indonesian Law, Schaefer has no right to Stella now that she's out of the prison unless he and Stella have new blood tests, but that can only happen with Mack's permission and she won't agree to it.

She got addicted in prison. So, is Heather still a meth addict? I guess not, if she's being released on good behavior. (what a joke)
It's known within the prison that Mack had always dabbled in the local version of crystal meth called Shabu, but last year she reportedly became addicted.