A strange courtroom moment unfolded in Arizona when a man accused of murdering a pastor attempted to plead no contest and then guilty during a hearing. However, the judge rejected both pleas, keeping the case moving forward toward trial. The suspect has reportedly confessed multiple times and even asked the court to give him the death penalty.
Man Accused of Killing Pastor Tries to Plead Guilty in Court
Adam Sheafe, 51, is facing several serious charges connected to the death of 76-year-old pastor William Schonemann.
The case began after a grand jury indicted Sheafe in July 2025 on six charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Kidnapping
- Additional related criminal charges
The charges stem from the April 28, 2025 killing of Schonemann in Arizona.
According to investigators, two members of the pastor’s congregation discovered his body inside his home. Authorities reported that Schonemann was found lying in bed with his arms stretched outward in a position resembling crucifixion.
Officials described the scene as extremely disturbing.
Judge Rejects Defendant’s Attempts to Plead No Contest and Guilty
During a court hearing on March 12, Sheafe unexpectedly tried to enter a plea of no contest.
Prosecutors immediately rejected the request.
Sheafe then attempted to plead guilty to the charges, but the judge also refused to accept that plea.
Court records show that Sheafe has been in custody for roughly 10 months.
During the hearing, he reportedly told the judge that he wanted to accept responsibility for the crime and move directly toward sentencing.
He said he wanted the case resolved quickly so that everyone involved could “move on with our lives.”
Despite his statements, the judge ruled that the case must continue through the legal process.
Prosecutors Seeking the Death Penalty
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has announced plans to seek the death penalty if Sheafe is convicted.
Under Arizona law, prosecutors must prove at least two aggravating factors before a death sentence can be imposed.
According to reports, the alleged aggravating factors include:
- The victim was over 70 years old
- The crime was especially cruel or depraved
During the hearing, Sheafe reportedly acknowledged these factors.
He even told the court that if the requirements are met, he should receive the death penalty.
Suspect Allegedly Confessed to Killing Pastor
Authorities say Sheafe has confessed multiple times to killing Schonemann.
In a previous jail interview, he reportedly described traveling from Phoenix to the pastor’s home early in the morning.
He allegedly told investigators he arrived around 2 a.m. and carried out the killing.
Reports claim he also described placing a crown of thorns on the victim’s head after the attack.
Investigators say these statements were part of several admissions made while he was in custody.
Suspect Claimed Religious Motive for Attack
According to investigators, Sheafe claimed he targeted Christian pastors because he believed they were misleading people.
He reportedly told authorities that he was not against Christians in general but was specifically targeting religious leaders.
Police said he referred to the killing as the beginning of what he called “Operation First Commandment.”
Investigators claim Sheafe allegedly planned to target up to 14 leaders from different Christian denominations.
Authorities said he believed pastors preaching the Trinity doctrine were spreading false teachings.
Victim Remembered as Veteran and Community Leader
William Schonemann was well known in his community and served as a pastor for many years.
He was also a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War.
Friends and family described him as someone who enjoyed working with vehicles and building projects.
He also liked taking long walks through the airport to stay active.
His death deeply affected his congregation, family, and community.
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan described the killing as extremely disturbing and said it had a profound impact on those who knew the pastor.
Next Court Hearing Scheduled
The legal case against Sheafe is still ongoing.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Adam Sheafe |
| Age | 51 |
| Victim | William Schonemann |
| Age | 76 |
| Location | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Charges | First-degree murder, kidnapping, and others |
| Next Court Date | April 24 |
Sheafe is expected to return to court on April 24 as the case continues.
