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New River Today
By the People, for the People
Arizona Man Accused of Crucifying Pastor Requests Death Penalty
Defendant says he wants case to end quickly and has never claimed innocence
Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:49am
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An Arizona man accused of murdering and mutilating a pastor has requested the death penalty, saying he wants the case to end quickly and has never claimed to be innocent. Adam Sheafe is accused of crucifying 76-year-old William Schonemann, the pastor of New River Bible Chapel, in April 2025. Sheafe has confessed to the crime and says he wants to be executed immediately to provide closure for the victim's family and his own.
Why it matters
This case highlights the complex issues surrounding capital punishment, mental health, and the criminal justice system's handling of violent crimes committed by individuals who claim religious motivations. It also raises questions about the rights of defendants to expedite their own cases and the impact on victims' families.
The details
Sheafe, 51, is accused of murdering Schonemann by crucifying him and placing a crown of thorns on his head. The pastor's body was found with his arms spread out and his hands pinned to a wall. Sheafe has claimed the murder was part of a plot targeting more than a dozen Christian leaders across the country in a mission he called "Operation First Commandment". He has said Schonemann and other pastors were leading followers onto a false path.
- In April 2025, Schonemann was found dead in his bed.
- In 2026, Sheafe requested the death penalty to expedite the case.
The players
Adam Sheafe
A 51-year-old Arizona man accused of murdering and mutilating a pastor. He has confessed to the crime and requested the death penalty to end the case quickly.
William Schonemann
The 76-year-old pastor of New River Bible Chapel who was murdered by Sheafe.
Chris Sheafe
The father of Adam Sheafe, who says his son became obsessed with the Old Testament and has a large tattoo of a Hebrew word for God on his neck.
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.”
— Adam Sheafe, Defendant
“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, Defendant
“Put me on death row, set the execution date for right now. The victims want it. The victim's families want it. I want it, and the taxpayers want it.”
— Adam Sheafe, Defendant
What’s next
A judge will hold a hearing to ensure Sheafe's guilty plea is entered voluntarily before proceeding to sentencing.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex issues surrounding capital punishment, mental health, and the criminal justice system's handling of violent crimes committed by individuals who claim religious motivations. It also raises questions about the rights of defendants to expedite their own cases and the impact on victims' families.
