• What Happened: Adam Sheafe, who confessed to crucifying 76-year-old Pastor Bill Schonemann in his Arizona home, appeared in court demanding the death penalty.
  • Why It Matters: Sheafe's "Operation First Commandment" targeted 14 pastors and priests across 10 states. He was stopped in Sedona on his way to his second kill.
  • Bottom Line: He admitted it, he wants death, prosecutors want death. Stop dragging this out and give the pastor's family the justice they deserve.

A man who confessed to crucifying an elderly Arizona pastor and had a kill list of 14 Christian leaders walked into court last week and demanded the death penalty. The judge said no. Not because Sheafe doesn't deserve it, but because the legal process requires one more hearing first.

Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, appeared in Maricopa County court Thursday and tried to plead guilty on the spot. Prosecutors had already rejected a no-contest plea. So Sheafe stood before the court and made his case for his own execution. "It's an undisputable fact that the victim, Pastor Bill Schonemann, was over 70 years old," Sheafe told the judge. "It's an undisputable fact that the crime was heinous in nature. I intended it to be heinous. So they're two aggravating factors. And I have no mitigating factors. That's why I'm saying, why do we have to drag this on and on and on?"

The facts of the case are not in dispute. On April 28, 2025, Sheafe drove from Phoenix to the New River home of Pastor William Schonemann, 76, pastor of New River Bible Chapel for more than 30 years. He stalked Schonemann from a Wednesday Bible study, followed him home, and returned in the early morning hours to kill him. Schonemann was found dead in his bed, arms outstretched, hands pinned to the wall, a crown of thorns placed on his head.

Sheafe confessed in multiple jailhouse interviews. He named it "Operation First Commandment." He planned to kill 14 pastors and priests across 10 states, believing they were leading their flocks away from God. His planned targets spanned Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, New York, Charlotte, and beyond. He was arrested in Sedona, where he was on his way to kill two priests at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, before he could strike again.

He has expressed zero remorse. In a prior interview, he said he would kill every pastor and burn every church in America if given the power.

Pastor Bill's son, Randall Schonemann, told 12News he is not consumed by hatred. "I'm going to move forward and do the things I need to be doing," he said.

The court declined to accept Sheafe's plea Thursday. He is representing himself. A future hearing is scheduled for April 24. Prosecutors have already filed their notice to seek the death penalty if this goes to trial.

Should the judge give him what he is asking for?