Man, Who Allegedly Pinned Dead Pastor’s Hands to a Wall and Targeted More Religious Leaders, Asks for Death Penalty for Himself

**Arizona Man Seeks Death Penalty Following Pastor’s Brutal Murder**

In a shocking turn of events, Adam Sheafe, the man accused of murdering Arizona pastor William Schonemann, has requested the death penalty for himself. Sheafe’s motive behind this unusual plea stems from a belief that such an outcome would demonstrate “that you can’t kill God’s son.” This unsettling admission has drawn widespread attention, particularly given the gruesome nature of the crime.

William Schonemann, who served at the New River Bible Chapel, was discovered dead in his home in April 2025, with police reporting that his body had been positioned with his arms outstretched in a manner reminiscent of crucifixion. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office quickly identified Sheafe as a suspect, employing evidence gathered from both the scene of the murder and the location of a burglary he allegedly committed prior to the pastor’s death.

Following his identification, Sheafe faced an array of serious charges that include first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, kidnapping, and multiple counts of attempted murder, among others. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) has been involved in the prosecution of this high-profile case, and the nature of Sheafe’s alleged crime has prompted extensive media coverage.

During a recent court appearance on March 12, Sheafe attempted to enter a “no contest” plea to the charges against him, a move that prosecutors denied. Subsequently, he sought to plead guilty and reiterated his request for the death penalty. Sheafe expressed a desire to expedite the legal process, suggesting that a quicker resolution would allow all involved, including the victim’s families, to “move on with our lives.”

Notably, Sheafe’s remarks in court reflected his troubling mindset. He stated, “It’s an undisputable fact that the victim, Pastor Bill Schonemann, was over 70 years old. It’s an undisputable fact that the crime was heinous in nature. I intended it to be heinous,” demonstrating a chilling detachment from the gravity of his actions. Furthermore, he voiced frustration over what he perceived as unnecessary delays in the court proceedings.

Sheafe’s assertion that he had intended to commit such a grievous act raises unsettling questions about the motivations behind his actions. The MCAO indicated that authorities believed Sheafe’s attack on Schonemann was part of a larger scheme targeting numerous Christian leaders across the country, a detail that adds an alarming dimension to the investigation.

In response to Sheafe’s recent court events, local outlet Fox 10 Phoenix reported his willingness to admit guilt, stating, “From day one, I’ve said I did this. These are the reasons why I did this, and I’m not contesting anything.” This admission reflects an apparent desire for closure not just for himself, but also for the families affected by his alleged crime.

Sheafe, who is representing himself in court, is expected to return on April 24 for further legal proceedings. His unusual request for the death penalty and his public declarations about the crime continue to garner public interest, with many speculating on the implications of his words and actions.

The case of Adam Sheafe and William Schonemann has sparked discussions about the complexities of murder motives, mental health, and the legal system’s handling of such extreme crimes. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will respond to Sheafe’s requests and what the future holds for both the accused and the families of the victims in this harrowing case.