Podcast Summary: Sheila Von Wiese // Episode 507 of Going West: True Crime

Podcast Information:

• Title: Going West: True Crime
• Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
• Episode: 507 - "Sheila Von Wiese"
• Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction

In episode 507 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Sheila Von Wiese, a 62-year-old American woman whose brutal murder in Bali captivated global attention. The episode meticulously explores the intricate family dynamics, the tragic circumstances leading up to the crime, and the subsequent investigation and legal proceedings.

Background on Sheila Von Wiese

Sheila Von Wiese was born on June 10, 1952, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The eldest of three siblings, she eventually moved with her family to various cities, including Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sheila pursued higher education at Simmons College in Boston, majoring in political science, before earning an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Her career included a stint at Doubleday Publishing in New York, and she ultimately settled in Chicago, Illinois.

Described by friends as "chic, cultured, and worldly," Sheila was an avid wine enthusiast, opera lover, and a dedicated hostess. Her vibrant social life led her to meet James L. Mack, a prominent figure in the Chicago jazz scene, composer, producer, and professor at Harold Washington College. Despite a significant 22-year age gap, Sheila and James shared a deep connection and married, welcoming a daughter named Lois, who later preferred the name Heather.

Family Dynamics and James Mack's Illness

The family enjoyed a life of travel and cultural enrichment until tragedy struck in 2001 when James Mack suffered a minor injury on a Mediterranean cruise. The incident—a cut from a pool ladder—escalated into a severe spinal infection due to inadequate medical care, confining James to a wheelchair until his death in 2006. The hosts highlight the profound impact of James's illness and subsequent death on the family dynamic.

Daphne notes, "Sheila and James sued Royal Caribbean for improper care and they actually won over a million dollars. But obviously the money just couldn't reverse the toll that it took on James's life."

Heather Mack's Troubled Behavior

Heather Mack, born in 1995, became increasingly troubled following her father's death. The relationship between Sheila and Heather deteriorated, marked by frequent conflicts that led to over 80 police interventions between 2004 and 2013. Heather exhibited erratic behavior, including skipping school, partying, stealing, and displaying violent tendencies toward her mother.

Heath emphasizes the severity of the situation: "80 times the police had to come to your house because you weren't getting along with your mother."

Despite Sheila’s attempts to support Heather and mitigate the situation by moving to a more upscale neighborhood and investing in her daughter’s future, the tension escalated. Heather’s dissatisfaction culminated in physical assaults against Sheila, resulting in numerous arrests and strained family relationships.

The Trip to Bali and the Murder

In a final effort to mend their fractured relationship, Sheila booked a luxurious trip to the Sea St. Regis resort in Bali, Indonesia. This significant expense—$10,000 per person—was Sheila’s attempt to provide quality time with her daughter in their waning years together.

Four days before her murder, Sheila sent an email expressing fear for Heather’s safety:

"[00:35] Sheila wrote in an email to her friend Elliot that Heather had disappeared while they were transferring from another hotel to the St. Regis. She wrote, 'heather ran off a few hours ago and she cannot be located...'" ([03:44])

On August 12, 2014, Sheila was found brutally murdered and stuffed inside a suitcase at the Bali resort. Security footage revealed Heather and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, an amateur rapper, tampering with the suitcase shortly before Sheila’s body was discovered.

Daphne remarks, "What a horrific story," underscoring the shocking nature of the crime.

Investigation and Arrests

Initial investigations pointed directly toward Heather and Tommy due to their suspicious behavior and the digital evidence uncovered from their phones. Text messages revealed their premeditated plan to murder Sheila, with Heather expressing a desire to benefit financially from her mother's death.

One pivotal quote from Heather's texts:

"I know what makes her tick. I know her habits, how she acts, what she does at certain times... Trust Bonnie." ([35:15])

Despite their attempts to fabricate a story about being robbed, the evidence quickly dismantled their alibis. Police arrested both Heather and Tommy after they attempted to evade justice by staying at another hotel without settling their unpaid bill, which still required Sheila’s signature.

Trial and Sentencing

Heather and Tommy faced charges in both Indonesia and the United States. Heather was sentenced to 10 years in an Indonesian prison, where she gave birth to their daughter. Tommy received an 18-year sentence. Their sentencing was influenced by Heather's eventual cooperation and plea deal in the U.S., leading to a further 26-year federal sentence for Heather.

Heath summarizes the legal outcomes:

"Heather was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison and was also ordered to pay restitution to Sheila's family." ([62:41])

Sheila’s siblings vehemently opposed Heather’s fabricated claims of an abusive household, maintaining that Heather was manipulative and deceitful from a young age.

Conclusion

The Sheila Von Wiese case serves as a stark reminder of how deep-seated familial conflicts and psychological turmoil can culminate in tragic outcomes. Hosts Daphne and Heath provide a comprehensive analysis of the events, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues and familial discord before they escalate beyond repair.

"These two people are in prison for a very, very long time for being so completely dumb." ([62:26])

The episode concludes with reflections on the severe consequences of Heather and Tommy's actions and the enduring impact on Sheila’s family.

Notable Quotes:

• "What a traumatic thing for her to have to witness. Especially, you know, he had a blood clot in his lung. He died right there."—Daphne ([10:31])
• "I have a hard time believing that she was so angry at the revelation that she was attempting to kill Heather would not be true."—Heath ([44:35])
• "Heather was sick of watching Sheila spend what she thought was her money."—Daphne ([17:09])
• "I never understood, but I'm Heather Mack, and I want to be set free."—Heather Mack in a recorded prison video ([57:25])

Final Thoughts: Episode 507 of Going West: True Crime masterfully unpacks the complexities of the Sheila Von Wiese murder case, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the events and motivations behind one of the most disturbing true crime stories. The hosts' engaging narrative and critical analysis make this episode a compelling listen for true crime enthusiasts seeking comprehensive case studies.