In April 2025, 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann, known by many as Pastor Bill, was found murdered in his home, in the peaceful town of New River, Arizona.
The suspected killer, 51-year-old Adam Sheafe, later confessed during a disturbing jailhouse interview.
He revealed that he had planned to kill several pastors in 10 different states as part of a chilling mission which he called “Operation First Commandment.”
Let's get into the details
The Shocking Discovery
On April 28, 2025, which was Easter Sunday, police responded to a 911 call at Pastor Schonemann’s home, and what they found was very gruesome and horrifying.
They found his lifeless body nailed to a wall, with his arms stretched out and a crown of thorns on his head — a chilling scene that looked like he was crucified.
"This case is probably one of the most bizarre cases I have ever seen in my 40 years with the Maricopa Sheriff’s Office," said Sheriff Jerry Sheridan in a June 12 press conference.
Schonemann was the pastor of New River Bible Chapel for 25 years, as per New York Post.
His family and church members described him as a kind and deeply spiritual man who didn’t have any known enemies.
His sudden and brutal death deeply shook the small, close-knit community.
"I leave my keys in my vehicles, don’t lock my door, and things like that," said local resident Emily Brean. "Why are you gonna murder a pastor or a minister? You know, for what?"
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office quickly confirmed that Pastor Schonemann’s death was a homicide, but didn’t share many details initially, saying they needed to protect the criminal investigation.
“Based on observations at the scene, it appeared there may have been foul play,” said Deputy Will Jinks of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
But just a few days later, a man came forward in a disturbing interview and admitted to committing the brutal crime.
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| Pastor William Schonemann |
Adam Sheafe's Arrest and Chilling Confession
Two days after the murder, Adam Sheafe was arrested in connection with a string of unrelated burglaries in the area.
However, during a jailhouse interview with Fox 10 News, Sheafe confessed to Schonemann’s killing, revealing a deranged religious motive behind the attack.
He claimed that he followed Pastor Schonemann home in the early hours of Easter Sunday, around 2 a.m., and then waited for the perfect moment to attack.
According to him, he carried out the brutal assault right after the pastor parked his car in the garage.
"I’m not interested in executing anyone other than the pastors," Sheafe told True Crime Arizona.
After killing the pastor, Sheafe said he then made the crown of thorns using plants which he had gotten from a desert, to finish off the disturbing mission.
According to Police reports, his motive came from a twisted and dangerous interpretation of scripture.
He claimed he was on a mission to kill pastors who were "leading their flock astray" by preaching about Jesus instead of God alone, as reported
by Telegraph News.
"Christian, Catholic, Mormon. Anyone preaching that Jesus is God, essentially, the Trinity—a concept created by man, by Paul. He’s not God. God, the Father alone, is God," Sheafe said during the interview.
Sheafe also confessed that Schonemann was only the first of 14 pastors he intended to murder across 10 states.
He had meticulously planned a cross-country killing spree, beginning in Arizona and targeting clergymen in cities including Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, and New York.
"I was going to start in Phoenix and end in Phoenix, and circle the nation. Ten cities, 14 pastors, 10 states," Sheafe stated calmly.
"From there, it was Las Vegas, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Billings, Montana; Detroit, Michigan; New York, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; Beaumont, Texas; and El Paso, Texas," he said.
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| The suspect, Adam Sheafe |
No Remorse, a Desire for Execution
During the jailhouse interview, Adam Sheafe showed no remorse or regrets for what he had done.
Instead, he spoke with a disturbing sense of determination, saying he would continue his mission if he ever got the chance.
"Not only do I have zero remorse, I plan on fulfilling what I started," he said.
"If my father puts me in an authoritative position on this earth, I will execute every single priest and burn every church to the ground."
Shockingly, Sheafe also stated that he wanted the death penalty—and as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, Schonemann’s family released a statement after the interview, criticizing the decision to give Sheafe a public platform.
They feared it might make him more famous and possibly encourage others to do something similar.
"What we have seen over the last week is this suspect enjoying the attention," the family said.
"We are quite surprised by his ability to freely message with county-supplied devices. We are concerned about his increasing notoriety and possibly gaining a following."
As of now, Sheafe remains in custody at Coconino County Jail on unrelated charges, including burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle.
However, authorities have indicated that he will soon be extradited to face murder charges in Maricopa County.
Schonemann’s congregation and neighbors are still struggling to make sense of the senseless violence.
His son, Randall, remembered him as a kind and creative man who had a positive impact in the society,
as per New York Post.
"Our dad had such a positive impact on people everywhere he went," said Randall Schonemann, the pastor’s son. "There are never enough words to say it all or to say it as well as a person would like. Simply, he is missed."
As the criminal investigation continues, the people of New River are still trying to cope with their grief and fear.
They are also struggling to understand what could drive someone to commit such a terrible act in the name of religion.
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