Pastor Crucified With Crown of Thorns: Killer Who Planned to Murder 14 Clergy Now Begs for Mercy
Adam Sheafe, who crucified an Arizona pastor and planned to kill 14 more clergy, now seeks a plea deal after his parents died in a plane crash.
Arizona Pastor Crucified in His Own Home: Killer Now Begging for Plea Deal After Parents Die in Plane Crash
Adam Sheafe, 51, the California man who confessed to murdering Pastor William "Bill" Schonemann in a horrific crucifixion style attack inside his New River, Arizona home, has reversed course and is now asking prosecutors for a plea deal.
Sheafe's advisory attorney, Denise Dees, submitted a formal plea offer this week requesting a natural life sentence in exchange for guilty pleas on all counts and aggravating factors. The request comes roughly two weeks after Sheafe's father, Chris Sheafe, and stepmother, Jacque Sheafe, were killed in a plane crash at Marana Airport on April 8.
Previously, Sheafe had actively sought the death penalty for himself, telling a court hearing:
It's an undisputable fact that the crime was heinous in nature. I intended it to be heinous.
Pastor Schonemann, 76, had faithfully led New River Bible Church for over three decades. He was found dead in April 2025 with his arms outstretched and hands pinned to a wall, in a position authorities described as resembling a crucifixion. Sheafe had placed a crown of thorns on the pastor's head.
Sheafe faces charges of first degree murder, first degree burglary, second degree burglary, kidnapping, theft of means of transportation, second degree criminal trespass, and three counts of attempted first degree murder.
In interviews with Arizona Family, Sheafe claimed he traveled from California to Arizona with plans to kill religious leaders across the state, dubbing his scheme "Operation First Commandment." Authorities believe he intended to target up to 14 pastors or priests across multiple cities, including Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, New York, and Charlotte.
Prosecutors told Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Patricia Starr their office would complete its capital review by April 29. County Attorney Rachel Mitchell will then have approximately two weeks to determine whether to press ahead with the death penalty. The next hearing is scheduled for June 5.
Crucifixion Style Murder: Adam Sheafe Seeks Life Sentence After Admitting to Killing Arizona Pastor
Sheafe had previously filed a trading platform lawsuit and sought Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2024 after losing over $40,000. His background and financial ruin appear to have fueled his radicalized mission against Christian leaders he believed were "leading flocks astray."
The victims' families are being consulted as part of the capital review process before a final decision is made on whether to accept or reject the plea offer.
The Crusader's Opinion
Let us be clear about what happened here. A 76 year old man of God who spent more than thirty years shepherding souls was tortured and murdered in a deliberate mockery of the crucifixion of Christ. His killer pinned his hands to the wall and crowned him with thorns. This was not just murder. This was a satanic ritual designed to desecrate everything we hold sacred.
And now this man, who once begged for his own execution, suddenly wants mercy after tragedy strikes his own family. The same mercy he denied Pastor Schonemann. The hypocrisy is staggering. Where was the outrage from the mainstream media? Where were the candlelight vigils? If a Christian had done this to an imam, it would have been the lead story on every network for months.
Pastor Bill Schonemann deserved better. His family deserves justice. And every pastor in America deserves to know their government takes the targeting of Christian clergy as seriously as it would any other hate crime.
Take Action
- Pray for the Schonemann family and the congregation of New River Bible Church as they continue to grieve and seek justice.
- Contact Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell's office at (602) 506 3411 to respectfully urge a just outcome in this case: maricopacountyattorney.org
- Support persecuted pastors and Christian leaders through The Shepherd's Shield, which provides security resources and protection for vulnerable churches.
- Give to Open Doors USA to support Christians facing violence and persecution worldwide.
- Talk to your church leadership about security measures and emergency plans. Too many churches remain soft targets.
