In 2014, Heather Mack and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer faced arrest in Bali after Sheila von Wiese-Mack, Heather’s mother, was found dead in a suitcase. Heather serves a 26-year federal prison sentence for conspiring to murder her mother. Years prior, Sgt. Rasul T. Freelain (Ret.) first arrested Heather after her mother reported abuse at the Illinois police station. An excerpt from Freelain’s upcoming book offers a crucial moment when Sheila decided to cooperate with her daughter’s arrest.
An Icy Winter Evening
During the fading winter sun, I drove to Sheila’s home near Chicago’s west side, despite the recent blizzard that smothered the city in snow. The weather suddenly warmed, much like Sheila, who finally confronted her daughter’s abusive behavior. Her daughter had broken her arm, revealing a dangerous pattern of violence that spiraled out of control.
Breathing in the fresh air through my car’s open windows, I approached a 6,000-square-foot mansion situated on Linden Avenue. Its mustard-color brick, green clay tile roof, and limestone accents stood grandly as Sheila and I arrived.
Inside the Home
Upon entry, I noticed the dining room was in disarray, with overturned chairs and broken dishes. My instincts told me there was more destruction elsewhere. In the living room, a wooden shelf lay face down with scattered books and shattered glass. Broken picture frames covered the floor, leading to a small-framed girl in a red sweater, occupied with a cell phone.
Announcing my presence, Heather turned to face me, wide-eyed. Despite her protest, I explained my right to be there thanks to her mother. Heather’s defiant demeanor was clear, yet I insisted she sit back down, leaving her no choice. I soon received word that my female backup officer had arrived for assistance.
Confrontation and Arrest
I addressed Heather directly, informing her about the charges and evidence against her. Her immediate reaction was to scream at her mother. I declared our conversation was over, arrested her, and instructed her to comply.
As I handcuffed her, her thin wrists were a stark contrast to other suspects. Heather persisted in claiming innocence, screaming that she had not done anything wrong. Sheila, filled with emotion, urged her daughter to acknowledge the damage and stop her behavior.
A Mother’s Plea
Sheila confronted Heather, expressing sorrow for her late husband but insisted that Heather must change. Unexpectedly, Heather began crying. After a brief moment of connection between mother and daughter, I escorted Heather outside. The backup officer took charge, performing a search before placing Heather in the squad car.
As the patrol car drove off, Sheila looked on, still fighting tears. She spoke of the surreal nature of the situation, expressing a desire to prevent it. I offered words of support, acknowledging her efforts to save her daughter.
After requesting an evidence technician to document the scene, I informed Sheila that I would return to the station to begin paperwork and look after Heather.
Author’s Note
The excerpt comes from When Lambs Become Wolves: The Chilling Case of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, written by Rasul T. Freelain, set to release on June 17, 2026. The author shares his insights into the case and its impact on all involved.
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