New River, Arizona – A man convicted of the brutal murder of a local pastor will spend life behind bars after a plea agreement was accepted by a Maricopa County judge. Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to killing Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann in April 2025, shocking the community and sparking national outrage over the violent act.
During a court hearing on June 5, 2026, Sheafe pled guilty to multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder. As he represented himself, the judge scheduled his formal sentencing for August 14, 2026, when he is expected to receive a life sentence. Under the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to forgo pursuing the death penalty.
Randy Schonemann, the victim’s son, attended the hearing remotely. He expressed his satisfaction with the life sentence, noting that it provides some closure for a case that has left many in the community and beyond reeling.
The plea agreement marks a significant change in Sheafe’s stance after previously demanding his own execution in court. Just months earlier, he had entered a “no contest” plea and insisted on an immediate death sentence, citing the heinous nature of his crime as justification. However, the tragic death of his father and stepmother in a plane crash in April 2026 prompted a shift in his approach. Following this personal loss, Sheafe proposed a plea agreement centered on accepting full responsibility for his actions.
The murder itself was grisly and grotesque. Pastor Schonemann, 76, was found in his bed, his body arranged in a crucifixion pose with thorns on his head. Authorities discovered that Sheafe had planned to target an additional 14 clergy members nationwide, beginning with Schonemann in Arizona, where he had been baptized as a child. Investigators found evidence that Sheafe had crafted crowns of thorns for potential future victims, further illustrating his disturbing intentions.
Sheafe’s criminal history included a range of offenses, such as domestic violence and identity theft. Law enforcement officials described the case as one of the most bizarre they had encountered in decades. Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan emphasized the unusual nature of the crime, which shocked not just the local community but also raised alarms among religious groups across the nation.
In interviews conducted while he was incarcerated, Sheafe showed no remorse for his actions. He rationalized the murder, claiming that he was acting against false teachings he believed were misleading congregations. Expressing a desire to eradicate what he considered false doctrine, he stated he would harm other religious leaders if given the opportunity.
The plea agreement serves to circumvent a lengthy and potentially sensational capital trial, shielding the victim’s family and community from an extended legal battle. The decision came after a competency evaluation was ordered for Sheafe, a standard step in such cases. In the end, both prosecutors and the victim’s family were motivated to avoid a public spectacle, prioritizing closure for those affected by the tragedy.
While the plea deal concludes legal proceedings, the community of New River Bible Chapel continues to mourn the loss of Pastor Schonemann, who was a devoted leader and mentor. The circumstances surrounding his murder remain a haunting reminder of the violence that can erupt from deep-seated beliefs.