A 51-year-old Arizona man has confessed to the gruesome murder of a pastor in a case that reveals a planned killing spree targeting Christian leaders across multiple states under a mission he called “Operation First Commandment.” After trying to attack two priests in the vicinity of Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross, the suspect was taken into custody. Sheafe has publicly called for his own execution and is charged with first-degree murder.
Gruesome Murder and Religious Motivation
The rural Arizona community was shocked when 76-year-old Pastor Bill Schonemann of New River Bible Chapel was found dead on April 28. Authorities discovered the elderly pastor’s body in a macabre scene—his hands nailed to a wall in a crucifixion-like pose with a crown of thorns placed on his head. This disturbing crime was quickly traced to Adam Christopher Sheafe, who made no attempt to conceal his actions and instead provided chilling details about his motivations and methodology.
Sheafe claimed his actions were religiously motivated, targeting those he believed were leading people astray from what he interpreted as the First Commandment. In a jailhouse interview, he described his twisted theological reasoning and the calculated way he stalked his victim.
CROSS COUNTRY PLAN: A suspected killer says he confessed to killing a beloved pastor in New River, AZ and had plans to crucify more than a dozen other priests, pastors across the country.@NicoleSGrigg and I spoke with Adam Sheafe from jail as he says he's confessed to the FBI.… pic.twitter.com/o0o5nlGqTu
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) June 20, 2025
Planned Killing Spree Thwarted
Perhaps most disturbing is the revelation that Schonemann’s murder was intended to be just the first in a series of killings. Sheafe confessed to planning to murder 14 more Christian leaders across 10 states, including Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. He had already taken concrete steps toward executing these plans when law enforcement intervened.
“The information we have indicates that the motive was religious in nature and that there were a number of future victims planned, some of those in Arizona, and that he had taken action in furtherance of those additional crimes,” said sheriff’s office Capt. David Lee.
After killing Pastor Schonemann, Sheafe traveled to Sedona, where he attempted to target two priests at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. His plans were foiled when he was caught following a high-speed chase and a burglary incident, leading to his arrest and the discovery of his broader murderous intentions.
Why was this not national news? A Christian pastor being crucified on American soil is insanity. Adam Sheafe confessed to killing a New River, Arizona pastor by crucifying him. He literally nailed his hands to the wall. pic.twitter.com/acrtiHfyut
— Jere_Memez (@Jere_Memez) June 26, 2025
Calculated Methods and Disturbing Confessions
Sheafe detailed his methodical approach to selecting and stalking his victims. For Pastor Schonemann, he attended a Bible study to identify his target and then followed him home. He later returned to carry out the murder in a manner intentionally mimicking crucifixion, a grotesque symbolic statement aligned with his distorted religious views.
In jailhouse interviews, Sheafe recounted the murder with disturbing clarity, claiming he had confronted the pastor about religious beliefs before killing him. He insisted he is not mentally unwell despite admitting to drug use and maintained he holds no animosity toward Christian believers generally—only against certain religious leaders he claims are teaching falsehoods.
Legal Proceedings and Suspect’s Death Wish
Sheafe is currently held in Coconino County Jail on charges that include burglary, trespassing, and assault, with first-degree murder charges pending for Pastor Schonemann’s killing. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case, with the death penalty under consideration given the premeditated nature and severity of the crime.
“Put me on death row; set the execution date for right now. The victims want it. The victims’s families want it. I want it, and the taxpayers want it.” Sheafe
In an unusual development, Sheafe has repeatedly advocated for his own execution, claiming divine protection while asserting that his death would serve the interests of the victims’ families and taxpayers. It remains unclear if he has secured legal representation; Fox News Digital reportedly contacted the public defender’s office but received no immediate response.
Community Impact and Security Concerns
The Schonemann family has expressed concern over Sheafe’s media appearances and the potential notoriety he might gain from his crimes. Meanwhile, the case has sent shockwaves through religious communities nationwide, highlighting the vulnerability of spiritual leaders and raising questions about security measures at places of worship.
This tragic case underscores a disturbing reality facing religious leaders who often serve their communities with open doors and welcoming attitudes. The thwarted plot serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and appropriate security measures, even in houses of worship that traditionally prioritize accessibility and community engagement.
Sources:
- Suspect in Arizona pastor’s grisly slaying says he planned to kill 14 Christian priests in 10 states