In 2014, Heather Mack and her then-boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, faced arrest in Bali. The body of Mack’s mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, had been found in a suitcase. Mack is now serving a 26-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiring to murder her mother. Before these events unfolded, Sgt. Rasul T. Freelain (Ret.) had arrested Mack for the first time after her mother visited the police station in Illinois to report abuse. An excerpt from Freelain’s upcoming book gives a glimpse into the pivotal moment when Wiese-Mack decided to cooperate with her daughter’s arrest.
As the winter day faded into twilight, Sgt. Freelain drove toward Sheila von Wiese-Mack’s home near Chicago’s west side. The city had been buried under snow from a recent blizzard, but the weather had turned unexpectedly warm, and Sheila agreed to cooperate. Convincing the widow of composer James L. Mack had been difficult, but a broken arm revealed the truth of her daughter’s violent behavior. It was clear, the situation was spiraling out of control.
Upon arrival, Freelain rolled down the windows of the blue unmarked Crown Victoria to enjoy the evening air. He met Sheila, and they drove to a 6,000-foot mansion on Linden Avenue. The home boasted impressive mustard-color brick, a green clay tile roof, and limestone accents. Inside, a chaotic scene unfolded. The dining area had chairs overturned, dishes broken, and a mess strewn across a table. Papers and a bed sheet were piled against the wall. His instincts told him there was more to see.
Freelain entered the living room and halted. The room was the scene of destruction. A large wooden shelf lay on the floor with books and decor trapped underneath. Broken picture frames formed a trail, suggestive of a tornado’s path. In the center, a girl in a red sweater appeared, focused on a cell phone. “Police,” Freelain announced, snapping her attention. She turned, wide-eyed. He introduced himself. She objected to his presence, but Freelain calmly explained her mother had let him in.
Heather shot her mother a defiant look, but complied grudgingly when instructed to sit. Freelain was aware of the potential for escalation and was relieved when his female backup officer arrived. He addressed Heather directly. Evidence indicated she had harmed her mother. He informed her that she needed to accompany him to the station. Heather responded with anger, turning on her mother for involving the police. But Freelain was firm. He instructed Heather to stop and arrested her for domestic battery.
In a controlled manner, Freelain handcuffed Heather, noting her thin wrists. As he led her out, Sheila broke her silence, pleading with her daughter to stop. In a calm but earnest manner, Sheila confronted Heather. She pointed out the damage and emphasized that the behavior had to stop. Heather’s defiance softened as she began to cry quietly, a moment of vulnerability.
Freelain handed Heather to the backup officer, summarizing the charges. “She’s in custody. Domestic battery. And she’s 15, so I’ll need your assistance.” The officer acknowledged and conducted a brief search before escorting Heather to the squad car.
As the vehicle departed, Sheila, still in the foyer, expressed her dismay. “This is all very surreal,” she said, her voice soft. “I never wanted it to come to this.” Freelain offered words of support, recognizing Sheila’s intent to protect her daughter. There was a sense of condolence, almost like supporting a family member through crisis.
Freelain contacted dispatch, calling for an evidence technician to document the scene. He informed Sheila of his departure to start the paperwork and assured he’d await her at the station before beginning formal questioning. With that, he left, preparing for the long night ahead.
Excerpted from When Lambs Become Wolves: The Chilling Case of Sheila von Wiese-Mack by Rasul T. Freelain, available June 17, 2026.