A pastor in Arizona, William Schonemann, was found dead in his home with his hands pinned to a wall in a manner “similar to crucifixion” in April 2025. The man accused of killing him, Adam Sheafe, has since asked for the death penalty for himself.
Discovery of the Pastor’s Body
William Schonemann, a beloved pastor at New River Bible Chapel, was found dead in his home in New River, Arizona, on April 2025. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) quickly identified Adam Sheafe as the suspect through evidence found at the scene, as well as items discovered during a burglary Sheafe allegedly committed days earlier. Evidence from a stolen truck and Sheafe’s backpack also contributed to the investigation.
Charges Against Adam Sheafe
Sheafe, 28, was charged with multiple crimes, including first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, first-degree burglary, kidnapping, theft of means of transportation, second-degree criminal trespass, and three counts of attempting to commit first-degree murder, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO).
Sheafe’s Court Appearance and Plea
In a court appearance on March 12, 2026, Sheafe attempted to plead “no contest” to the charges, but prosecutors denied his request. He then sought to plead guilty and asked for the death penalty, stating that he wanted the process to be expedited so everyone could “move on with our lives,” per local outlets like Fox 10 Phoenix.
Sheafe also controversially claimed that his actions would prove “that you can’t kill God’s son.” This request was also denied by the court, and Sheafe is scheduled to return to court on April 24, 2026. Notably, Sheafe is representing himself in this case.
The Pastor’s Death and Alleged Larger Plot
When Schonemann’s body was discovered, authorities noted that he had been positioned with his arms outstretched, a setup “similar to a crucifixion.” The MCAO indicated that Schonemann’s death may have been part of a larger, disturbing plot by Sheafe to kill 14 Christian leaders across the country.
Sheafe’s Court Statements
During his recent court appearance, Sheafe expressed frustration over the delays in the proceedings. “It’s an undisputable fact that the victim, Pastor Bill Schonemann, was over 70 years old. It’s an undisputable fact that the crime was heinous in nature. I intended it to be heinous,” Sheafe said in court, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.
Sheafe also remarked, “From day one, I’ve said I did this. These are the reasons why I did this, and I’m not contesting anything. And we’re dragging this out in the interest of justice. What about the victim’s families? What about me? What about my family? We want closure so we can move on with our lives.”
