NEW RIVER ARIZONA, A man accused of killing a well-known Arizona pastor is asking the court to move forward quickly with his case, telling a judge he wants the legal process to end with a death sentence.
Authorities say 51-year-old Adam Sheafe has been charged in connection with the death of 76-year-old Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann, who was found dead inside his home in New River, Arizona.
During a hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court, Sheafe told the judge that he wanted the case to move forward without delay. He argued that resolving the case quickly would provide closure for the victim’s family as well as for his own relatives.
Sheafe was indicted in July 2025 on several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, burglary, and kidnapping.
Investigators said Schonemann’s body was discovered on April 28, 2025, at his residence on the 1900 block of Calvary Road. Two members of the pastor’s congregation reportedly went to check on him and found him unresponsive inside the home.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the pastor’s body had been positioned with his arms extended against a wall.
Prosecutors allege that the killing was part of a broader plan by the suspect to target multiple Christian leaders across the United States.
Authorities also accused Sheafe of being involved in other crimes around the time of the incident, including breaking into a home in Cave Creek and stealing a pickup truck. Investigators said the stolen vehicle was later linked to additional burglary activity captured on surveillance video.
The suspect was eventually arrested after authorities said he broke into another home in Sedona.
Detectives with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said evidence recovered from the pastor’s home, the burglary locations, and items found in the suspect’s backpack helped connect him to the killing.
Prosecutors have filed notice that they intend to seek the death penalty in the case.
However, despite Sheafe expressing a desire to plead guilty and receive a death sentence, the judge declined to move forward immediately, stating the court must ensure that any guilty plea is voluntary and properly reviewed.
Sheafe is scheduled to return to court next month as the case continues through the legal process.
Friends, neighbors, and members of the community described Schonemann as a friendly and respected pastor who lived in a quiet area where residents often felt safe leaving their doors unlocked.
New River is an unincorporated community located about 40 miles north of Phoenix.
The investigation and court proceedings remain ongoing as prosecutors continue preparing the case.
