In a disturbing incident, a man confessed to the brutal murder of a pastor who was tragically discovered deceased in his home, with his hands positioned as if crucified. William Schonemann, aged 76, was found lifeless in his residence in New River, Arizona, on April 28, 2025, by members of his congregation from New River Bible Chapel who went to check on him. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office revealed that the pastor had been found with his arms outstretched, resembling a crucifixion.
Adam Sheafe, aged 51, was implicated as a suspect after evidence was uncovered at Pastor Schonemann’s residence. He was subsequently charged with the murder of the pastor and other offenses, believed to be part of a larger scheme to target 14 Christian leaders nationwide. During his court appearance, Sheafe attempted to enter a plea of “no contest” but was rebuffed by prosecutors who cited that such a plea is typically reserved for defendants incapacitated by intoxication or similar reasons.
Sheafe then sought to plead guilty and shockingly requested the death penalty, urging for a swift resolution to the legal proceedings. He acknowledged the heinous nature of his crime and emphasized his lack of mitigating factors. Sheafe argued for expedited sentencing, stating that prolonging the process served no purpose, and expressed a desire for closure for both the victim’s and his own family.
Despite his pleas, Sheafe’s requests for a bench trial and the death penalty were denied. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 24 and is reportedly representing himself according to records from the Maricopa County Superior Court. Additionally, Sheafe stands accused of a separate incident in Cave Creek, Arizona, where he allegedly broke into a residence, stole a pickup truck, and committed burglary, leading to his eventual apprehension. Evidence linking him to the pastor’s murder was traced back to items recovered from both crime scenes. Sheafe admitted to the gruesome act of killing the pastor, affixing his body to a wall in a crucifixion-like manner, and even placing a crown of thorns on his head.
The community, shocked by the tragedy, remembered Pastor Schonemann as a kind-hearted individual residing in an area known for its perceived safety, where leaving doors unlocked was common practice.