The Arrest of Heather Mack: A Turning Point in a Troubled Family

In 2014, Heather Mack and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, were arrested in Bali following the discovery of Mack’s mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, deceased in a suitcase. Mack now serves a 26-year federal sentence after pleading guilty to conspiring to murder her mother. Years prior to this tragic event, Sgt. Rasul T. Freelain, a retired officer, first encountered Mack when her mother reported abuse to an Illinois police station. Freelain shares this pivotal moment in his upcoming book about the case.

The story unfolds on a cold winter evening, with Freelain driving to Wiese-Mack’s Chicago home amidst chilly weather, recently warmed after a city-blanketing blizzard. Convincing the widow of the renowned composer James L. Mack to face her daughter took effort, but a broken arm eventually opened her eyes to Heather’s worsening violence.

Freelain arrived at the 6,000-foot mansion on Linden Avenue to find a disarrayed dining room and a wrecked living room. Heather Mack, fifteen, was at the center in a red sweater, her curly dark hair in a ponytail. As Freelain introduced himself, Heather immediately objected to his presence. He explained her mother’s invitation granted him access.

With backup on the way, Freelain addressed Heather directly. He stated that her mother reported abuse and evidence supported these claims. Heather’s defiance quickly turned to screaming as Freelain arrested her for domestic battery. Her protests continued as Freelain secured her, noting the thinness of her wrists.

In a poignant moment, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, teary and silent till then, confronted her daughter. Looking around at the damage, she urged Heather to stop the destructive behavior. Sheila spoke of their home and the need for Heather to change. The sincerity in Sheila’s voice caused Heather to lower her head and cry.

As Heather was escorted outside by the female officer, Sheila remained in the foyer, watching with tears in her eyes. “This is all very surreal,” she murmured, indicating she never wanted the situation to escalate to this extent. Freelain reassured her, acknowledging her attempt to save her daughter in a desperate situation.

Freelain then contacted dispatch for evidence collection and informed Sheila of necessary procedures back at the station. He promised to wait for her before formally questioning Heather. As he departed, it marked the beginning of a long and somber evening for the family.

Excerpt from ‘When Lambs Become Wolves: The Chilling Case of Sheila von Wiese-Mack’ by Rasul T. Freelain, releasing June 17, 2026.