A man accused of killing a pastor in Arizona in an apparent crucifixion-style homicide has been indicted by a grand jury in what authorities call part of a larger plan to assassinate Christian leaders across the United States.

Adam Sheafe, 51, has been charged with the murder of Pastor William Schonemann, 76, whom prosecutors say was the first of 14 targeted religious leaders in an extremist plan motivated by a radical interpretation of biblical law, the Christian Post reported.

On April 28, two congregants from New River Bible Chapel discovered Schonemann dead inside his New River, Arizona, home. His body had been posed with his arms outstretched, which investigators say was arranged to resemble crucifixion. The local community was left shocked by the violent and symbolic nature of the crime.

Victim Was Chosen for Living Alone

Soon after the discovery of the body, law enforcement began linking the crime to other events, including two burglaries in Cave Creek and Sedona, which occurred shortly before and after the pastor’s death. Surveillance footage captured a stolen pickup truck near the location of the Sedona break-in, helping investigators connect the incidents.

The stolen vehicle was traced back to Sheafe, who had allegedly taken it during the Cave Creek burglary. When police arrested him, they found incriminating evidence inside both the vehicle and a backpack in his possession. This evidence tied him directly to Pastor Schonemann’s killing and the surrounding criminal activity.

A grand jury in Maricopa County indicted Sheafe on several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, burglary, kidnapping and theft. Authorities also revealed that the pastor had been targeted specifically because he lived alone, making him an easier victim to surveil and follow home after church services.

Suspect Claims Religious Mission Guided Actions

In a jailhouse interview, Sheafe admitted to murdering Schonemann. He said he was driven by his belief that Christian leaders mislead people by preaching that Jesus is both God and His son. Sheafe insisted that those who break the first commandment deserve execution according to his reading of Old Testament scripture.

“There’s a commandment that if somebody is preaching that somebody other than God is God, we are to execute them,” Sheafe said, stating that the pastor’s teachings violated this rule. He claimed he crowned Schönemann with thorns during the killing, calling the act a deliberate execution, not a murder.

Though born and baptized in Phoenix, Sheafe told investigators he returned to Arizona to end his life where it had begun. He set up tents along the Carefree Highway to observe local churches and select targets. He claimed that he acted without divine instruction but was compelled by personal convictions.

Plot Envisioned Multiple Pastor Killings

According to prosecutors, Schonemann’s murder was meant to be the first in a calculated campaign targeting 14 Christian pastors and priests. Authorities believe Sheafe compiled a list of targets and planned a nationwide spree. He reportedly stated that one of the planned victims would be symbolic, in honor of “Adam,” whom he referred to as God’s only true son.

Sheafe showed no remorse during interviews, asserting that his killings were justifiable. “Not only do I have zero remorse, I plan on fulfilling what I started,” he said, vowing more violence if released. He said that preachers were misleading their congregations and that their actions warranted death.

He continued, “God would never allow me to spend the rest of my life in jail,” expressing confidence that he would avoid long-term consequences. Investigators believe Sheafe acted alone in planning and executing the crime, despite suggesting a higher authority in moral justification.

Community in Shock, Legal Process Begins

No trial date has been announced by Maricopa County officials, but the severity of the charges has brought wide attention to the case. Authorities regard Sheafe as a serious threat, citing his stated intention to continue targeting religious leaders. The investigation into other potential victims remains ongoing.

Schonemann’s congregation and the broader New River community continue to mourn the beloved pastor. Many have described the act as a horrific distortion of religious belief, with authorities emphasizing that no theology justifies such violence.

Sheafe’s statements from jail have only deepened public concern. He said, “If my father puts me in an authoritative position on this Earth, I will execute every single priest and burn every church to the ground.” Officials say such threats illustrate the extreme nature of his mindset.

Churches across Arizona have increased security measures in the wake of the killing, with many pastors expressing fear for their safety. Law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions is reviewing whether Sheafe traveled outside Arizona and whether any others could be involved in his plans.