A 51-year-old Arizona man admitted to murdering and crucifying a local pastor in a brutal attack he claims was part of a nationwide plan to kill Christian leaders. Adam Christopher Sheafe confessed during a jailhouse interview to killing 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann in New River in April, stating the act was religiously motivated.
“Yes,” Sheafe told Fox 10 News when asked if he killed the pastor. He then described his so-called mission, “Operation First Commandment,” which involved targeting 14 Christian leaders across 10 states. Sheafe claimed he aimed to kill pastors preaching that Jesus is God, saying they were “leading people astray.”
Sheafe admitted to placing a crown of thorns on Pastor Schonemann’s head after killing him and nailing his hands to a wall. The pastor was found in his bed on April 28, covered in blood. Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan called the case “one of the most bizarre” of his 40-year law enforcement career.
Sheafe told reporters he had planned to target two more priests at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona, but was arrested before he could carry out those murders. He insisted he wasn’t mentally ill and that he had not been abused by any Christians, despite his violent mission.
Asked if he felt regret or sorrow, Sheafe replied, “Nothing.” He said he would offer condolences to the victim’s family only because they “got caught in the crossfire,” but made clear he stood by his actions.
Pastor Schonemann was well known in his community for his generosity and compassion. Friends and neighbors described him as someone who would “do anything” to help others, including assisting a homeless woman to get back on her feet.
Sheafe is currently being held in Coconino County on unrelated charges and is awaiting extradition to Maricopa County. The FBI is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Sheafe has stated he is willing to accept the death penalty.
The pastor’s family, in a statement to Fox 10 News, said they are deeply concerned about Sheafe gaining notoriety and potentially inspiring others. “He has clearly stated his intentions to continue his mission,” they warned, urging law enforcement and the media to take the threat seriously.
