In an interview with FOX 10, Sheafe claimed to have killed Pastor Bill Schonemann, 76, who was the leader of the New River Bible Chapel in New River, Arizona, in April.
A man accused of the brutal killing of a pastor in Arizona has confessed to the crime in a chilling jailhouse interview—revealing that he had planned to target more religious leaders across the country.
Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, admitted to FOX 10 that he murdered Pastor Bill Schonemann, 76, in what he described as a spiritually motivated campaign he called “Operation First Commandment.”
Pastor Schonemann, known in his New River, Arizona, community as “Pastor Bill,” was found dead in his home on April 28. His body was discovered in his bed with his arms stretched and pinned to the wall behind him, resembling a crucifixion.
Sheafe claimed the act was intended to punish religious leaders whom he believed were deceiving followers. He specifically accused Christian churches of leading people astray by promoting the worship of Jesus, whom he called a “false god.”
“I had a list. Fourteen pastors or priests I planned to crucify,” Sheafe told FOX 10, adding that they were not limited to any one denomination.
Authorities arrested Sheafe near the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, where he said he was planning to kill two more religious leaders. He was taken into custody following a break-in in the area and is currently being held in Coconino County Jail, facing a first-degree murder charge filed in Maricopa County.
In a separate interview with True Crime Arizona, Sheafe described details of the crime, including making a makeshift crown of thorns from items he found in the woods and placing it on Pastor Schonemann’s head.
He also revealed that his original plan was to follow a priest home after Easter Sunday services in Phoenix and kill him. However, that attempt failed, and Pastor Schonemann ultimately became the first of what Sheafe said was to be a string of executions.
After the murder in New River, Sheafe traveled to Sedona to continue his plan but was identified as a suspect in a local break-in, which accelerated the police investigation and led to his arrest.
Despite the gruesome nature of the crime, Sheafe expressed no remorse.
“I was following God’s law,” he said. “I expect redemption, not punishment.”
