Accused Killer Begs for Death Penalty in Gruesome Crucifixion Murder

Adam Christopher Sheafe claims he is ready to accept punishment for killing Arizona pastor William Schonemann.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A man accused of brutally crucifying an elderly pastor in Arizona has begged the court to sentence him to death, saying he is ready to accept punishment for the heinous crime and that the legal process is "dragging this out." Adam Christopher Sheafe confessed to killing Christian leader William Schonemann, 76, in a disturbing ritual at the victim's home, and has expressed a desire to "move on with our lives."

Why it matters

This case has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the mental state of the accused, who has displayed an obsession with the Bible and the Old Testament. The brutal nature of the crime has also prompted discussions about sentencing and whether the death penalty should be applied in such cases.

The details

Sheafe is accused of driving from Phoenix to New River on April 28 to execute Schonemann, the beloved leader of New River Bible Chapel for 25 years, as part of a larger plot to murder 14 Christian leaders. Schonemann was found dead with his arms spread out in his bed and his hands pinned to a wall. Sheafe has claimed his victim and other Christian pastors were leading followers onto a false path, and dubbed his greater scheme "Operation First Commandment."

  • Sheafe was arrested nearly a year ago for the alleged killing.
  • The incident occurred on April 28.

The players

Adam Christopher Sheafe

A man accused of brutally crucifying an elderly pastor in Arizona, who has begged the court to sentence him to death.

William Schonemann

The 76-year-old Christian leader and pastor of New River Bible Chapel who was allegedly killed by Sheafe in a disturbing ritual.

Chris Sheafe

The father of Adam Christopher Sheafe, who says his son became obsessed with the Bible and the Old Testament, even getting a large tattoo of a Hebrew word for God across his neck.

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What they’re saying

“From day one, I've said I did this. These are the reasons why I did this, and I'm not contesting anything. And my speedy trial rights went from five months to basically two and a half years. And 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 Christopher Sheafe, Defendant (Fox 10)

“Adam became extremely interested in the Old Testament. He read it extensively. And part of that process became his interest; we weren't excited when we'd learned that he'd done it, but to have the tattoo. It means God. It means he's directly related to God. And he wanted people to know that was his allegiance.”

— Chris Sheafe, Father of Adam Christopher Sheafe (Arizona's Family)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to accept Sheafe's guilty plea at a future hearing, where they will ensure the plea is entered voluntarily.

The takeaway

This disturbing case has raised concerns about the mental state of the accused and the appropriate sentencing for such a heinous crime. It has also prompted discussions about the role of religion and obsession in driving violent acts, as well as the need for closure and justice for the victim's family and community.