MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. (TCN) — A 52-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison plus 102 years for the murder of a pastor who was found dead in his home last year with his arms outstretched, similar to a crucifixion.
On April 28, 2025, congregation members from the New River Bible Chapel found their pastor, 76-year-old Bill Schonemann, dead in his home, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Detectives identified Adam Sheafe as the suspect in Schonemann’s death. He was indicted in July 2025 on multiple charges in connection with the killing, as well as a break-in and theft of a truck at another location two days beforehand. Investigators learned that Schonemann’s death was part of a plan concocted by Sheafe to kill 14 other religious leaders around the country.
In March, Sheafe attempted to plead no contest to the charges, but prosecutors rejected his plea; he later attempted to plead guilty to move the case toward a death sentence and the judge refused. Sheafe stated, “We’re dragging this out in the interest of justice. He said that he understood his actions and wanted the case resolved ‘so we can move on with our lives.’”
KNXV reports Sheafe pleaded guilty in June to first-degree murder and other charges and the death penalty was taken off the table. The outlet reports that though Sheafe had initially wanted to receive the death penalty, he had a change of heart after his father and stepmother died in a plane crash.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced Sheafe’s sentencing on Aug. 14. Schonemann’s family members and close friends spoke at the sentencing, according to the press release. One family member said that he was “truly a one-of-a-kind man. He served our country in the Navy during Vietnam. He was a devoted husband and a loving father, a business owner, and a mentor. He was a kind and gentle soul.”
KNXV reports that in court, Sheafe apologized for his actions and said, “I now recognize that my method of delivering my message, that our heavenly father alone deserves all praise and all glory, was severely flawed.”
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