Authorities disclosed that Heather Mack and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer had an argument with Mack's 62-year-old mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, prior to the older woman's death. In an interview with the staff from the upscale resort hotel where the three were last seen together, police found that an argument broke out regarding who would pay for the rooms. Despite acquiring this information, however, investigators insist that a clear motive for the murder is yet to be established.

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According to Police Chief Maj. Gen. Benny Mokalu, his men were able to interview 19 witnesses. Some of whom were bystanders who claimed to have heard the three engaged in an argument regarding the payment of the rooms. With the continuous accumulation of information, Haposan Sihombing, an Indonesian lawyer appointed by court to assist the suspects, disclosed on Wednesday that the couple are under suicide watch. "All materials that can be used for suicide such as ropes, long trousers, and clothes with straps are being kept away from them," Sihombing shared.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the American attorney for the pair, Michael Elkin, Mack complained about the treatment of the police and expressed her anxiety over her two-month pregnancy. Apart from these complaints, Mack also told Elkin that the detaining officers have sexually harassed her at least three time since she was taken in custody. All claims were denied by both Sihombing and Indonesian authorities.

"I've told them that it's better to cooperate because that could be a reason for a lighter punishment," Sihombing said. At present, however, both suspects still refuse to talk to the investigators, declaring that they will only take part in the investigation when Elkin arrives to assist them. Sources reveal that Elkin was en route to Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday.

Mack, 19, is currently detained at the Denpasar police station. Her boyfriend, Schaefer, 21, is jailed separately at the provincial police headquarters.

TagsBali, Indonesia, Heather mack, Tommy Schaefer, Sheila von Wiese Mack, Benny Mokalu, Michael Elkin, Haposan Sihombing