Suspect in Grisly Arizona Murder Claims Plan to Target Christian Leaders
Authorities remain in the dark, while the victim’s family expresses concern over rising notoriety of the accused
Coconino County, AZ — Adam Christopher Sheafe, a 51-year-old man, is under investigation following a shocking confession regarding the murder of 76-year-old William Schonemann, a respected pastor in New River, Arizona. In an unsettling jailhouse interview, Sheafe revealed his alleged involvement in the crime and spoke chillingly about a larger plan that includes a hit list targeting Christian leaders across the United States.
Confession and Details of the Crime
During the interview with Fox 10 News, Sheafe informed authorities that he traveled from Phoenix to Schonemann’s home in the early hours of Easter Sunday. He is accused of gruesomely executing the pastor, leaving the body in bed with hands nailed to the wall and a crown of thorns placed atop his head. Describing his actions, Sheafe stated, “I executed him,” illustrating a horrific scene that has been condemned as one of the most bizarre cases Maricopa County has encountered.
“I was going to start in Phoenix and end in Phoenix, and circle the nation. Ten cities, 14 pastors, 10 states,” he noted, detailing his sinister intent. Sheafe was reportedly en route to harm two priests in Sedona when he was apprehended by police.
Justifying Violence Through Ideology
Sheafe claims his motivations stem from a misguided religious belief that Christian leaders are leading people astray. “I don’t hate Christians. I’m after the pastors that are leading them astray,” he asserted. Though he did not appear to express remorse for his alleged actions, he did offer a measured apology to Schonemann’s family, claiming he felt sorry for their "being caught in the crossfire."
Despite acknowledging a history of drug abuse, Sheafe insisted that it did not impact his actions and stated with chilling calmness that he would not hesitate to face execution.
Victim’s Family Responds
In the aftermath of Sheafe’s disturbing claims, Schonemann’s family issued a statement expressing their unease with the suspect’s newfound notoriety. “We are quite surprised by his ability to freely message with county-supplied devices. We see the surge of media attention and his ability to communicate freely as a very serious threat,” the family conveyed, calling for an emphasis on stopping Sheafe before he can act on his threats.
Sheafe is currently in Coconino County Jail on charges unrelated to the pastor’s murder. While he has not yet been formally charged with killing Schonemann, authorities are in the process of plans to extradite him to Maricopa County as investigations continue.
Authorities have yet to comment extensively on Sheafe’s claims or provide additional context on the investigation into the pastor’s murder. Further developments are expected as this case unfolds.
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