Arizona Man Sentenced to Life for Murder of Pastor

Adam Sheafe, 52, has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 85 years for the April 2025 murder of 76-year-old Pastor Bill Schonemann. The sentencing follows a plea agreement that removed the possibility of the death penalty. Schonemann, who led the New River Bible Chapel, was found dead in his home with his arms pinned to a wall in a manner described by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office as resembling a crucifixion.

Sheafe confessed to the killing, stating he targeted the pastor due to theological disagreements regarding the divinity of Jesus. During investigations, Sheafe claimed he intended to target over a dozen other religious leaders across several states, expressing a desire to harm clergy and damage church properties. Following the murder, Sheafe traveled to Sedona, where he was apprehended after a multi-day manhunt involving attempted burglaries and vehicle theft. He was linked to the crime through forensic evidence recovered from the scene at the victim's home.