Suspect Confesses to Crucifixion of Pastor, Planned to Kill 14 More

Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to murdering Arizona pastor William “Bill” Schonemann in April, posing the 76‑year‑old’s body in a crucifixion‑like manner. Arrested in June on unrelated charges, Sheafe admitted in an interview he planned to kill 14 pastors across the country, targeting four in Arizona first, with thorn crowns and copies of the Ten Commandments left at the scenes. Motivated by his belief that Christian leaders mislead people, Sheafe said the crimes were premeditated and religious in nature. He is in custody in Arizona and has expressed willingness to plead guilty and seek the death penalty, the Christian Broadcasting Network has reported. Authorities are working to warn others on his planned target list.