In 2014, Heather Mack and her then-boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, faced arrest in Bali after Mack’s mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, was discovered dead in a suitcase. Heather Mack now serves a 26-year federal sentence after admitting to conspiring to murder her mother. But before this notorious event, Sgt. Rasul T. Freelain (Ret.) encountered Mack in a different context. Years earlier, Mack’s abusive behavior towards her mother was reported, leading to her first arrest by Freelain.
The excerpt from Freelain’s upcoming book captures a critical moment when Wiese-Mack agreed to facilitate her daughter’s arrest. This cooperation marked a significant point in the family’s tumultuous journey.
The winter sun set while Sgt. Freelain headed to Sheila von Wiese-Mack’s Chicago home. Despite the city’s recent two-foot snow coverage, weather conditions improved unexpectedly. It took great effort to persuade Sheila to address her daughter’s violence seriously. Her broken arm highlighted the severity of the situation, pushing her towards action.
Upon arrival, Freelain noted the mansion’s distinctive architecture and a chaotic dining room filled with overturned chairs and broken dishes. In the adjacent living room, pandemonium reigned. Books and shattered objects were scattered from a fallen shelf. Picture frames lay strewn about haphazardly.
Amidst the wreckage, a small-framed girl sat in a red sweater. Her curly hair was tied back as she fiddled with a phone. Freelain identified himself and explained his presence with Sheila’s invitation. Responding defiantly, Heather glared at her mother while remaining silent.
Freelain ordered Heather to sit back down, an instruction she followed reluctantly. A backup officer’s arrival reassured Freelain, securing support in case of escalation. He addressed the girl directly, citing evidence of her abusive acts and informing her of the need to accompany him to the station for further discussion.
Heather erupted with anger, directing her rage toward her mother for involving the police. Freelain decided the exchange had concluded and arrested Heather for domestic battery. Despite initial resistance, Heather eventually submitted to handcuffing, venting her frustration.
During the arrest, Sheila broke her silence, urging her daughter to stop denying the truth. Sheila expressed deep regret over their situation, attributing no blame to herself. This heartfelt appeal momentarily quieted Heather, eliciting tears from the young girl.
Freelain escorted Heather outside where another officer assumed custody. The officer acknowledged the need for a search, and then conducted a brief check before placing Heather in the car. As the vehicle departed, Sheila watched somberly, acknowledging the surreal nature of the moment, wishing it hadn’t come to this point.
Freelain offered reassurance, recognizing Wiese-Mack’s intent to save Heather before further harm ensued. He departed the scene after arranging for an evidence technician to document the wreckage, ready to handle the upcoming procedures at the station.
From the book ‘When Lambs Become Wolves: The Chilling Case of Sheila von Wiese-Mack’ by Rasul T. Freelain, releasing on June 17, 2026.