News World Americas US Crime News Suspect confesses to crucifying pastor in Arizona home – and had others on hit list Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, said he planned to ‘execute’ and ‘crucify’ at least 14 pastors and/or priests in 10 states across the country https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/pastor-murder-suspect-hit-list-arizona-b2776251.html Andrea Cavallier in New York Tuesday 24 June 2025 21:11 EDT

Suspect admits to crucifying pastor in Arizona home - and had others on hit list

In a chilling jailhouse interview, the man accused of a gruesome, religiously motivated murder of a beloved pastor in Arizona said he had committed the crime and revealed he had a broader hit list of religious leaders he intended to kill during his murderous rampage.

Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, told True Crime Arizona Monday that he crucified 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann, known in the community as “Pastor Bill,” inside his New River home in April.

Sheafe said the attack was part of what he claimed was a divine mission to punish religious leaders who, in his view, were misleading followers.

“I drove from there (Phoenix) to Bill’s house, like two in the morning on a Sunday night, and I executed him,” Sheafe told the correspondent Briana Whitney, who sat across the table from him.

Schonemann was found dead in his bed, covered in blood, on April 28 during a welfare check.

Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, told True Crime Arizona Monday that he crucified 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann – and had more names on his hit list (Coconino County Sheriffs Office)