Overview

• In a June 24 jailhouse interview with True Crime Arizona, 51-year-old Adam Christopher Sheafe confessed to crucifying 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann in his New River home.
• Sheafe said he followed Schonemann from Easter services and placed a handmade crown of thorns on the pastor’s head as part of what he described as a divine mission to punish wayward religious leaders.
• He disclosed plans to target 14 pastors across 10 states, including Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas.
• Authorities tied Sheafe to Schonemann’s murder after arresting him on unrelated burglary charges following a high-speed chase and manhunt in Sedona.
• Sheafe remains in Coconino County Jail and has requested the death penalty while awaiting extradition to face formal murder charges in Maricopa County.