PHOENIX — A 51-year-old man has been indicted for the murder of a New River pastor, adding to a growing list of serious charges against him. Adam Sheafe now faces significant legal ramifications for his alleged involvement in the death of William Schonemann, who was found deceased in his residence on April 28.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office confirmed that a grand jury has charged Sheafe with first-degree murder, alongside multiple other felonies, including attempted murder, burglary, and kidnapping. He has been extradited to Maricopa County from Coconino County and made his court appearance, where he was assigned a cash bond of $10 million.
Investigators found Schonemann’s body positioned unnaturally, with his arms spread wide, prompting authorities to delve deeply into the nature of the crime. Two members of the pastor’s congregation were the ones to alert officials after they failed to reach him.
In a recent jailhouse interview, Sheafe admitted to his involvement in the pastor’s murder and hinted at a broader violent agenda, stating he had intentions to “execute” and “crucify” an alarming number of priests across several states. These confessions have raised concerns about his motives and mental state.
The indictment extends beyond Sheafe’s alleged acts against Schonemann. He is also accused of crimes committed in nearby Cave Creek and Sedona. Law enforcement reports that just days prior to the pastor’s murder, Sheafe reportedly broke into a home in Cave Creek and stole a pickup truck, which became a focal point in his capture.
Authorities tracked him down after they spotted the stolen vehicle linked to a separate burglary in Sedona. Surveillance footage captured Sheafe in action, leading to his apprehension the following day after another reported home invasion.
This chilling case continues to unfold as the community grapples with the violent events surrounding the pastor’s untimely death. The legal proceedings against Sheafe will examine the range of charges he faces, and the implications they carry not only for him but for the local community mourning the loss of its leader.