Where is Heather Mack now? California Woman Seeks Custody of Convicted Bali Killer’s Daughter, Tommy Schaefer
An Indonesian court has found Mack and her boyfriend guilty of the murder of her mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, of Oak Park.
Diana Roque Ellis said she is Mack’s mother’s best friend and is considered an “aunt” by Mack.
Mack is said to be in jail in Chicago, facing federal charges.
Her child, Stella, is now 6 years old.
The girl’s paternal grandmother, Kia Walker, said late last year she would sue for permanent visitation and guardianship.
Mack’s daughter, Stella Schaefer, was born just weeks before both her mother and father, Tommy Schaefer, were found guilty of murder in 2014 in Bali.
Originally raised behind bars and then with her adoptive mother in Indonesia, the 6-year-old’s relationship now with her paternal grandmother is purely on-screen.
“We love drawing each other,” Walker said. “The last time I drew her was a few months ago. She got her hair done, and I think it was really fun and funny.”
MORE: Kia Walker wants custody of granddaughter after Heather Mack is re-arrested in mother’s murder
Mack and Schaefer now face federal charges of attempted murder and obstruction of justice.
Prosecutors allege Mack and Schaefer planned the murders while in the US before carrying out a plot in Bali, which included stuffing the bodies in suitcases.
When Mack returned to the United States and was once again behind bars, and Schaefer was still serving a sentence in Indonesia, a judge temporarily assigned her care to a third party.
“My opinion doesn’t matter. And her father’s opinion doesn’t matter. It’s a difficult perception. She’s not in my care. And I have no control. There’s no control. I can only get what’s given,” Walker said.
RELATED: Heather Mack Still In Jail After Hearing, Next Court Date In 2022
But even though Mack’s attorney has vowed to fight any attempt to place the 6-year-old with her grandmother, Walker’s attorney said she has the right to do so.
“We’re not asking for any money from the trust. We just want custody and/or visitation of Stella,” said attorney Michael Goldberg.
“This is my chance to be on American soil, you know. I’m a grandmother. I’m a relative. I have some rights now. At least I can ask,” Walker said.
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