Adam Sheafe, 51, is accused of the brutal crucifixion of Arizona pastor Bill Schonemann, 76, a case that has left the community in shock. Schonemann, the head of the New River Bible Chapel in New River, Arizona, was found dead in his home on April 28 with his arms stretched wide, pinned to the wall behind him. The bizarre scene has raised numerous questions and stirred a wave of public outrage.
Sheafe admitted to the murder in an interview with FOX 10, stating that he not only killed Schonemann but had plans to eliminate more than a dozen other Christian leaders. He described his mission as ‘Operation First Commandment,’ rooted in his belief that Christian churches were leading congregants astray by following a false God, Jesus. As his motive, Sheafe expressed religious opposition and a belief that the current form of Christianity is deceptive. This belief has led him to plan and enact a series of killings, which he sees as a form of divine justice.
Sheafe was captured by police near the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona, where he had intended to execute two priests. During the arrest, he said that he was attempting to get into the back of a priest’s car, but was thwarted by a bicyclist who got in his way. He had planned to follow the priest to his home, according to his statements. Sheafe expressed no remorse for the crime and defiantly refused to apologize, claiming that the victims and their families would want the punishment, as well, he said, would the taxpayers.
His case is now under review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which indicated that any first-degree murder convict is typically eligible for the death penalty. It is unclear if Sheafe has legal representation, but the public defender’s office has been contacted. The situation has left not only the families and friends of the victims in despair but also the community at large grappling with a profound sense of fear and anger.
As the case unfolds, it has become a significant topic of discussion, bringing together issues of religious belief, the legal system, and the nature of violence. The public is awaiting developments as the legal proceedings move forward, with the hope that justice will be served and that such an event is not repeated in the future.