Arizona Pastor Murdered in Apparent Religious Killing: Suspect Arrested After Multi-State Manhunt

William Schonemann, known as ‘Pastor Bill,’ was found murdered at his home on April 28

Six weeks after the brutal killing of a beloved Arizona pastor, authorities have arrested a suspect believed to have been driven by a disturbing religious motive. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has identified 50-year-old Adam Christopher Sheafe as the man responsible for the homicide of 76-year-old William “Pastor Bill” Schonemann.

Schonemann, a well-known and respected figure at New River Bible Chapel, was found dead in his home on Cavalry Road during a welfare check on April 28. Deputies discovered the pastor covered in blood, and the death was quickly ruled a homicide.

Adam Christopher Sheafe, 50, allegedly crossed state lines to kill Pastor Bill, his motive believed to be rooted in religion, police say (Coconino County Sheriffs Office)

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan described the case as “tragic and bizarre,” revealing during a press briefing that Sheafe allegedly left his residence and job, crossed state lines, and came to Arizona with the intent to carry out multiple religiously motivated killings.

“He had a plan,” Sheridan stated, adding that while Schonemann was the only confirmed victim, investigators believe Sheafe had other individuals in mind.

Captain David Lee of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said, “The information we have indicates the motive was religious in nature, and that there were additional intended victims in Arizona. He had taken action to further those additional crimes. We are in contact with those individuals and are actively investigating their cases.”

Bill Schonemann, the 76-year-old pastor of New River Bible Chapel, was found dead on April 28 in his home. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office has determined his death is a homicide

Authorities were first alerted to Sheafe’s behavior by a concerned New River resident who reported him acting suspiciously in the days leading up to the pastor’s murder. Unfortunately, the tip came too late to save Schonemann, who investigators believe was killed the day before his body was found.

The same day deputies discovered the body, Sheafe was identified as a suspect in a separate burglary that led to a high-speed police chase in Sedona. After crashing a stolen vehicle from Cave Creek, Sheafe fled the scene and disappeared into the surrounding area. His car was later found abandoned at a trailhead with evidence inside linking him to the New River homicide.

A manhunt ensued, and the following day, a Sedona homeowner spotted a man matching Sheafe’s description on security footage rummaging through his garage. Police responded, but Sheafe had again escaped into the rugged Coconino National Forest.

That night, authorities tracked him to a remote campsite. After a brief foot chase, SWAT and patrol officers used a stun gun to subdue and arrest Sheafe. He was booked into the Coconino County Jail on multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, trespassing, vehicle theft, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest.

Officials confirm there were no known connections between Sheafe and Pastor Schonemann. The FBI has joined the investigation, and additional details are expected once Sheafe is extradited to Maricopa County and formally indicted on further charges related to the murder.

The shocking case has sent ripples through the close-knit New River community, where Pastor Bill was known for his dedication to faith and service. The investigation continues as authorities explore the full extent of Sheafe’s plans and possible targets.