In a chilling development from Arizona, authorities say Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, admitted in a jailhouse interview to brutally murdering 76‑year‑old Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann in his home. According to law enforcement and media sources, Sheafe described nailing Schonemann’s hands to a wall in his New River home and placing a homemade crown of thorns on the pastor’s head in an act of symbolic crucifixion.
Sheafe, who wears a “YHWH” neck tattoo in Hebrew, told True Crime Arizona that he left Phoenix around 2 a.m. Easter morning to carry out what he called “Operation First Commandment.” He said his motivation was theological — specifically targeting pastors who, in his view, “misrepresent God by preaching the Trinity” by calling Jesus God.
According to investigators, the murder of Pastor Schonemann — found dead in bed on April 28 but later revealed to have been crucified—was the first in a planned nationwide spree aimed at what Sheafe labeled “Christian leaders.” He detailed a plot targeting 14 pastors and priests in ten states, beginning and ending in Phoenix. His next intended victims were two priests at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, where he was apprehended en route following a burglary-related manhunt.
At various points in interviews with Fox 10, The Independent, and True Crime Arizona, Sheafe insisted his actions were not born of personal grievance—he claimed no prior victimization by Christians—but of what he considered religious duty. He stated: “Christian pastors are leading people onto a false path… He’s not God. God, the father alone, is God.”
Despite gruesome details, Sheafe remained calm and unrepentant. He reportedly said he wanted to be executed quickly so his mission could continue, emphasized he’d “absolutely” not apologize for his actions except to Schonemann’s family “for getting caught in the crossfire,” and denied any mental illness.
Investigators confirm that Sheafe crossed state lines, traveling from California after early prison release. He allegedly committed burglaries in New River and Sedona — placing him on law enforcement radar before the arrest. Authorities also found forensic evidence linking him to Pastor Schonemann’s murder.
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan described the case as “tragic and bizarre,” emphasizing it appeared religiously driven rather than opportunistic. Sheriff’s statements indicate Sheafe acted alone, with no known link between him and Schonemann.
Sheafe is currently detained in Coconino County Jail on multiple charges — including burglary, fleeing law enforcement, aggravated assault, stolen vehicle possession, and resisting arrest—with murder charges expected once he is extradited to Maricopa County.
Family members of Pastor Schonemann expressed deep concern over Sheafe’s high-profile statements from jail, worrying that he might gain notoriety and inspire copycats. Meanwhile, federal and local agencies are notifying and monitoring the clergy named in Sheafe’s admissions.
