Photo: Coconino County Sheriffs Office
Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, confessed to the murder of Arizona pastor Bill Schonemann and revealed plans to kill 14 more religious leaders. In a jailhouse interview with KSAZ, Sheafe admitted to killing Pastor Schonemann, 76, of New River Bible Chapel in New River, Arizona.
On April 28, Schonemann was found dead in his bed, his arms pinned to the wall in a manner resembling a crucifixion. Sheafe described his actions as part of a mission he called "Operation First Commandment," aimed at punishing religious leaders for what he believed was misleading their followers by teaching them to follow Jesus, whom he considered a false God. He said that he intended to target 14 more pastors or priests from various denominations.
Sheafe was apprehended near the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona, where he planned to kill two priests.
His lack of remorse was evident as he refused to apologize for the murder. He claimed to be acting according to what he perceived as God's law and expected redemption.
"Will I apologize for my actions? Absolutely not. I'm defending my father," Sheafe said.
He has been charged with first-degree murder in Maricopa County and remains in custody at the Coconino County Jail. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case, and Sheafe could face the death penalty if convicted. In a separate interview with KPNX, Sheafe stated that he wants to die.
"Put me on death row, set the execution date for right now. The victims want it. The victim's families want it. I want it, and the taxpayers want it."