Arizona Man's Attempted Guilty Plea in Pastor's Crucifixion-Style Murder Rejected by Judge

A Maricopa County judge recently refused to accept a guilty plea from Adam Sheafe, 51, who faces charges including first-degree murder and kidnapping in the April 28, 2025, death of 76-year-old pastor William Schonemann. Sheafe, who has been in custody for approximately ten months, first attempted a "no contest" plea, which prosecutors rejected, before offering a guilty plea that the court subsequently declined. This development comes after a July 2025 indictment for the deeply disturbing crime, where Schonemann was found dead in his bed with his arms reportedly outstretched in a manner resembling a crucifixion.

Sheafe has reportedly expressed a desire for a swift resolution to his case, including a death sentence, stating in court that the process is being "dragged out in the interest of justice." The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is indeed seeking the death penalty, which requires proving at least two aggravating factors to a judge or jury. Sheafe himself acknowledged these factors, noting the victim's age (over 70) and the heinous nature of the killing.

The accused has allegedly confessed to the killing multiple times, even detailing the act and his alleged placement of a "crown of thorns" on Schonemann's head during a jail interview in June 2025. Sheafe reportedly stated his actions were part of "Operation First Commandment," targeting leaders of Christian denominations he believed were misleading their congregations, with Schonemann's death being the first in a planned series of 14 such killings. Sheafe is scheduled to appear in court again on April 24.