Arizona Pastor Found Murdered in His Home with His Hands Pinned to the Wall

The late Pastor William Schonemann of New River Bible Chapel in Arizona.

Pastor Bill Schonemann, 76, longtime leader of the New River Bible Chapel in New River, Arizona, was found dead in his home on Monday, April 28, in what authorities have officially ruled a homicide. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has launched an ongoing investigation.

The pastor was discovered around 7:30 p.m., lying on his bed with his arms spread and pinned to the wall. Sources familiar with the scene indicated that Schonemann had suffered significant injuries, although specific details have not been publicly released.

William Schonemann (left)

Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or a motive. The MCSO has described the circumstances surrounding the homicide as “unique and specific” but emphasized that the killing appears to be an isolated incident, with no continuing threat to the surrounding community.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Schonemann’s loved ones as we continue our efforts to bring justice in this case,” said MCSO representatives. Detectives are actively pursuing leads as the investigation unfolds.

The body of Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann, 76, was discovered inside his New River home on April 2

The violent nature of the incident has deeply unsettled residents of the typically quiet New River area. Mike Anders, who lived next to the pastor for 12 years, described Schonemann as a kind and approachable man who loved building trucks and chatting with neighbors. “We locked our doors last night. It’s just something we’re not used to doing,” Anders said. “Until we know what’s going on, we don’t know if it was a family member or someone else. Who could do this to him?”

Anders also expressed concern about the unknowns, asking, “Do we need to be worried out here? Is there someone out here that’s just breaking into houses and killing people?”

The death of pastor William “Bill” Schonemann shocked the community.

Former congregation member Zane Sharpe reacted with heartbreak. “My heart just dropped. It dropped to my core. Like, what a sweet guy—a pastor, too. Everyone holds pastors in high esteem, but this guy truly lived what he spoke.”

Pastor Schonemann’s son, Randall, shared a statement reflecting on his father’s legacy: “Our dad had such a positive impact on people everywhere he went. We will miss the loving guidance and patience, the happiness he showed just getting to walk around an airport getting his steps in.”

The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.