Man accused of killing Arizona pastor pleads for death penalty

Adam Sheafe, charged with murdering 76-year-old Pastor William "Bill" Schonemann, wants the state to expedite his case and sentence him to death.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:50pm

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A 51-year-old man accused of murdering a beloved Arizona pastor, William "Bill" Schonemann, is pleading with authorities to speed up the conclusion of his case and sentence him to death. Adam Sheafe was indicted in July 2025 on six charges, including first-degree murder, for allegedly killing Schonemann and positioning his body in a crucifixion-like pose. Sheafe has admitted to the crime and is asking the judge to sentence him to death, saying he has no mental health issues and understands the consequences of his actions. However, the judge wants to ensure Sheafe's guilty plea is voluntary before proceeding.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding capital punishment, mental competency, and the rights of victims' families. Sheafe's desire to expedite his own execution raises questions about his motivations and mental state, while the pastor's community is left grappling with the loss of a beloved figure.

The details

According to prosecutors, Sheafe killed Schonemann as "part of a larger plot by Sheafe to kill 14 Christian leaders around the country." Sheafe is also accused of breaking into a home in Cave Creek, Arizona, stealing a pickup truck, and using it in a burglary that was caught on surveillance video. He was later caught after breaking into another home in Sedona. Detectives connected Sheafe to Schonemann's murder through evidence from the pastor's home, the Cave Creek burglary, the stolen truck, and items found in Sheafe's backpack. Sheafe has admitted to killing Schonemann, crucifying his body to a wall, and placing a crown of thorns on his head.

  • On April 28, 2025, "Pastor Bill" Schonemann was found dead in his home in New River, Arizona.
  • In July 2025, Sheafe was indicted on six charges, including first-degree murder.
  • Seven months ago, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office posted a 6 1/2-minute video of Sheafe's extradition and booking into their jail.

The players

Adam Sheafe

A 51-year-old man accused of murdering Pastor William "Bill" Schonemann and positioning his body in a crucifixion-like pose. Sheafe has admitted to the crime and is pleading with authorities to expedite his case and sentence him to death.

William "Bill" Schonemann

A 76-year-old beloved pastor in New River, Arizona, who was found dead in his home with his arms spread out and his hands pinned to a wall.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that connected Sheafe to Schonemann's murder through evidence from the pastor's home, a burglary in Cave Creek, a stolen truck, and items found in Sheafe's backpack.

Maricopa County Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that has filed a notice of its intent to seek the death penalty against Sheafe.

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What they’re saying

“We're dragging this out in the interest of justice. What about the victim's families? What about me? What about my family? We want closure so we can move on with our lives.”

— Adam Sheafe

“If there's at least one aggravating factor and no mitigating factors, a guilty defendant is to be sentenced to death. So sentence me.”

— Adam Sheafe

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide next month whether to accept Sheafe's guilty plea and sentence him to death.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding capital punishment, mental competency, and the rights of victims' families. Sheafe's desire to expedite his own execution raises questions about his motivations and mental state, while the pastor's community is left grappling with the loss of a beloved figure.