A man accused of a gruesome, religiously motivated killing of a longtime pastor in Arizona reportedly revealed further plans to target more religious leaders.

Adam Sheafe, 51, admitted to murdering Pastor William Schonemann in a calculated attack he claimed was part of a broader plot against Christian clergy, whom he says are deceiving churchgoers, Fox News reported.

Sheafe is charged with first-degree murder following the death of Pastor Schonemann, 76, who led the New River Bible Chapel in New River, Arizona. The pastor was found dead on April 28 in his bedroom, where his body had been positioned in what police described as a crucifixion-style scene. His arms were extended and pinned to the wall, leaving the local community shocked by the symbolic display.

The accused killer later spoke publicly about the crime from inside the Coconino County Jail. In a recorded interview with FOX 10, Sheafe confessed to the killing and disclosed what he called "Operation First Commandment." He claimed this was a mission to eliminate religious leaders who he believes falsely encourage worship of Jesus, whom he called a false deity.

He explained that this belief was the driving force behind his actions. According to Sheafe, mainstream Christianity misleads its followers, and he aimed to stop 15 such figures, Schonemann being the first. He said he selected New River Bible Chapel as the starting point of his violent plan.

Chilling Confession Outlines Religious Extremism

During the interview, Sheafe detailed how he identified his victim. He said he initially attended a mid-week Bible study at the church to confirm the pastor's identity. “I saw that he had a Wednesday evening Bible study,” Sheafe said during the televised conversation, explaining that he waited for them to arrive and observed the group to determine which one was the pastor.

Sheafe described how he later returned to the church the following Sunday and allegedly committed the murder inside the pastor’s home. Sources say Pastor Schonemann was found later that same day in bed, with injuries consistent with the crucifixion-style display Sheafe had described.

The accused spoke at length with FOX 10 and 12News about the murder, showing no remorse. “Put me on death row, set the execution date for right now,” he said. “The victims want it. The victim's families want it. I want it, and the taxpayers want it.”

Suspect Arrested Before Additional Attacks

Following the initial murder, Sheafe traveled to Sedona, Arizona, where he reportedly planned to carry out his next attack. He was taken into custody near the Chapel of the Holy Cross, one of the area’s most recognized houses of worship.

While in Sedona, Sheafe acknowledged an attempt to approach another target. He described trying to enter the vehicle of one of two Catholic priests he had planned to kill. “I tried getting into the back of his car,” he recalled. “There was like a little lady on a bike that got in my way.” He planned to get into the car and have the priest drive him to his residence.

According to his interviews, Sheafe's intent was thwarted at the last minute, not due to any change of heart, but seemingly due to accidental interference by a passerby. Police intervened shortly after and arrested him before any additional acts of violence took place.

Legal Uncertainty and Potential Charges

Sheafe is currently being held at Coconino County Jail. He has been officially charged with first-degree murder in Maricopa County, where New River is located. If convicted, he could face the death penalty under Arizona state law.

Officials from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office have confirmed that the case is still under ongoing review. They noted that first-degree murder cases often qualify for capital punishment, depending on the circumstances and the outcome of judicial proceedings.

As of now, it remains unclear whether Sheafe has secured a legal defense team. Fox News Digital reported reaching out to the public defender’s office for comment, but no official statement has been released.

Community Mourns as Case Unfolds

The killing has sent shockwaves through the New River area and among those who knew Pastor Schonemann, who led the local congregation for many years. Police and community members alike have expressed horror over the nature of the crime.

The symbolic way in which the killing was carried out raised further alarm about the suspect's intentions and ideological motivation. Authorities say they believe the attack may have been part of a broader pattern, based on Sheafe’s own words.

Though further attacks were prevented, law enforcement is continuing to investigate the extent of Sheafe’s plans and any potential threat to other religious leaders across the state.