Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Denpasar, Bali – Tommy Schaefer, an American convicted in the gruesome 2014 murder of his girlfriend’s mother in Bali, has been deported from Indonesia after serving 11 years of an 18-year prison sentence. The case, dubbed the “suitcase murder” due to the victim’s body being found stuffed inside a suitcase, garnered international attention and continues to reverberate through the legal systems of both Indonesia and the United States.

Schaefer, 33, was released from a Bali jail on Tuesday morning, having received remissions for good behavior, according to Felucia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration. He was immediately deported back to the United States and is expected to appear in federal court in Chicago on Thursday, CBS News Chicago reports. The deportation marks the end of one chapter in a complex legal saga, but the beginning of another as Schaefer faces additional charges in the U.S.

The Bali “Suitcase Murder”

The crime centered around Sheila von Wiese-Mack, a 62-year-old wealthy Chicago socialite, who was found dead at the St. Regis Bali Resort in August 2014. Her battered body was discovered inside a suitcase left in the trunk of a taxi. Schaefer and his then-girlfriend, Heather Mack, then 19 and several weeks pregnant, were arrested the following day. Investigators determined that the couple conspired to kill von Wiese-Mack, allegedly to gain access to a $1.5 million (£1.17m) trust fund, the BBC reported.

In 2015, an Indonesian court sentenced Schaefer to 18 years in prison and Mack to 10 years for the “sadistic” killing, as described by the presiding judge. Prosecutors detailed how Mack allegedly covered her mother’s mouth although Schaefer struck her with a fruit bowl. Mack served seven years of her sentence and was deported in October 2021.

US Charges and Potential Sentencing

While Schaefer has completed his Indonesian sentence, he is not free from legal repercussions. A 2017 indictment, unsealed in 2021, charges both Schaefer and Mack with conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, conspiracy to commit foreign murder of a U.S. National, and obstruction. Mack pleaded guilty to these charges in January 2024 and was sentenced to 26 years in prison in Chicago, according to CBS News.

Prior to boarding his flight back to the U.S. On Tuesday, Schaefer issued an apology for his actions. “I’m sorry. I’m always sorry. I’m always sorry,” he told AFP news agency. “I was thrust into this situation, but I take full responsibility for everything I have done and I hope Sheila’s family finds peace.”

What’s Next

Schaefer’s appearance in federal court in Chicago on Thursday will initiate the next phase of the legal proceedings against him. The U.S. Prosecution will likely focus on the conspiracy and obstruction charges, seeking to hold him accountable for his role in the premeditated murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack. The outcome of the U.S. Case will determine the extent of his punishment for a crime that shocked the world and continues to impact the lives of those involved.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of international crime and the long reach of the U.S. Legal system. Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below.

Sanremo, Italy – The second night of the Sanremo Music Festival 2026 was marked by a deeply emotional moment as singer Achille Lauro paid tribute to the 40 young victims of the Novel Year’s Eve fire at the ‘Le Constellation’ club in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Lauro’s performance of “Perdutamente” resonated with audiences and served as a poignant memorial to those lost in the tragedy.

The tribute was initiated by festival host Carlo Conti, who dedicated a space during the evening’s program to remember the victims. Conti explained the decision stemmed from powerful images of the funeral of Achille Barosi, one of those who perished in the fire, where his mother, Erica Didone, sang “Perdutamente,” transforming the song into a hymn of remembrance. The song quickly became a symbol of collective mourning and remembrance.

Lauro’s rendition of “Perdutamente” was particularly moving, featuring a lyrical arrangement accompanied by soprano Valentina Gargano and a 20-person choir. The performance aimed to capture the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment, themes echoed in the song’s lyrics, including lines like, “And if one night were enough, yes, to develop us disappear” and “If space catches fire, love, lower the roof.”

The connection between the song and the tragedy runs deep. Erica Didone, Achille Barosi’s mother, shared in a recent appearance on Domenica In that she frequently sang “Perdutamente” with her son in the car, describing it as a song that brought them joy and connection. She continues to sing it, finding solace in the memories it evokes. “It reconnects me with Achille,” she said, emphasizing the song’s enduring power.

The Sanremo Music Festival 2026 has similarly highlighted other emerging artists. The top five performers of the second evening, according to initial reports, include Lda & Aka 7even, Paradiso, Nayt, Fedez & Masini, and Ermal Meta. However, Lauro’s performance and the tribute to the victims of Crans-Montana undeniably became the defining moment of the night.

The choice of “Perdutamente” was not accidental. Conti noted that the song’s lyrics resonated with the profound sense of loss and the questions surrounding the tragedy. The song, as Lauro explained, speaks to the fragility of time and encourages listeners to embrace the present moment.

Here’s a look at Achille Lauro’s performance:

SANREMO CONCERTI LIVE ACHILLA LAURO EMOZIONA SANREMO CON ‘PERDUTAMENTE’ DEDICATA ALLE EVITTIMEDI CRANS MONTANA . #achillelauro #sanremo2026

The festival continues, and audiences are anticipating further performances and moments of connection. The impact of Lauro’s tribute, however, is likely to linger throughout the remainder of Sanremo 2026, serving as a powerful reminder of the tragedy in Crans-Montana and the importance of remembering those lost.

As the festival progresses, attention will turn back to the competing artists and the unfolding drama of the competition. However, the emotional resonance of Lauro’s performance has undoubtedly set a somber yet hopeful tone for the remaining nights of Sanremo 2026.

Share your thoughts on this moving tribute and the Sanremo Music Festival in the comments below.