Man who crucified pastor asks for death penalty in court hearing, says he 'intended it to be heinous'

A man accused of killing an Arizona pastor in a crucifixion-style attack asked a court to sentence him to death during a hearing, saying the case should be resolved quickly so those involved can move forward.

Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, attempted to plead guilty and requested the death penalty during a court appearance last week, but the request was denied, according to reports.

In April 2025, Pastor William Schonemann of New River Bible Chapel was found dead inside his home in New River, Arizona, with his arms outstretched and his hands pinned to a wall in a position authorities described as resembling crucifixion, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said.

Schonemann, 76, was discovered after investigators responded to the home and examined the scene. Authorities later said the killing was part of a larger plot investigators believe involved plans to target multiple Christian leaders.

Investigators with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office identified Sheafe as a suspect through evidence recovered from Schonemann’s home and evidence connected to a burglary that investigators say occurred a few days earlier. Items found in Sheafe’s backpack and a stolen truck also helped authorities link him to the crime.

Prosecutors charged Sheafe with one count of first-degree murder and several other offenses, including first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, kidnapping, theft of means of transportation, second-degree criminal trespass and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.

During last week’s hearing, Sheafe initially attempted to enter a no-contest plea. Prosecutors rejected the attempt, and the court did not accept the plea, reports local Fox affiliate AZAM. 

Sheafe tried to plead guilty and asked the court to impose the death penalty immediately, arguing the case should be resolved so families involved could find closure.

“It’s an undisputable fact that the victim, Pastor Bill Schonemann, was over 70 years old. It’s an undisputable fact that the crime was heinous in nature. I intended it to be heinous,” Sheafe was quoted as saying in court. “From day one, I’ve said I did this. These are the reasons why I did this, and I’m not contesting anything,” he told the court, adding that continuing proceedings would only prolong the process.

The court declined to accept his request to plead guilty or impose the death penalty at that stage of the proceedings. Sheafe is scheduled to return to court on April 24 and is representing himself.

Prosecutors have filed a formal notice that they intend to seek the death penalty if the case proceeds to trial.

Authorities say the killing was part of a plan in which Sheafe allegedly intended to target 14 pastors or priests across the United States. Investigators say the victim was chosen because of his Christian faith.

In an interview with Arizona Family last year, Sheafe said he crucified Schonemann inside the pastor’s home and placed a crown of thorns on his head. He also said he planned to kill pastors or priests in multiple cities, including Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Billings, Detroit, New York, Charlotte, Mobile, Beaumont and El Paso.

Sheafe said he intended to attack religious leaders when they were alone because he did not want to harm others.

Authorities connected Sheafe to the killing before his arrest in Sedona last April while he was being investigated for other crimes, including inquiries involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sheafe previously lived in Oceanside, California, and worked at a restaurant in Carlsbad. He filed a lawsuit against a trading platform and later sought Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2024 after losing more than $40,000.