A former federal inmate is now the central figure in a shocking Arizona murder that authorities say may have been guided by religious extremism.

Adam Christopher Sheafe, 49, was arrested on multiple charges following the disturbing death of 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann, whose body was discovered in his New River home on April 28 under circumstances investigators describe as religiously driven and deliberately staged, the Christian Post reported.

Pastor Schonemann, a longtime leader at New River Bible Chapel, was last seen alive the day before his body was found. Police say he was discovered in bed, with his arms spread and hands pinned to the wall, raising immediate concerns of symbolic or ritualistic elements. No valuables were taken from the scene, furthering suspicions that robbery was not a motive.

Past Suspect with Violent History Disclosed

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office soon identified Sheafe as the primary suspect. Described as an ex-convict with a lengthy criminal record, Sheafe had only recently been released from federal custody in February 2023, nearly three years ahead of schedule. He had been convicted on charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in 2018 and was originally slated for release in September 2026.

After his early release, Sheafe relocated to Oceanside, California. In 2023, he attempted to change his name legally in a San Diego court, but the request was denied. According to police, Sheafe abandoned his job and traveled to Arizona in early April 2025, reportedly following what officials now suspect was a religiously motivated personal mission.

By late April, Sheafe had drawn local attention when he was seen behaving unusually near the New River Bible Chapel and was later implicated in a nearby burglary. Law enforcement arrived during the incident, but Sheafe fled the scene and was not caught at that time.

String of Crimes Leads to Murder Link

Investigators say that shortly after this first burglary, Sheafe stole a car and returned to the area before Pastor Schonemann was found dead. The events quickly escalated, leading to a series of crimes in nearby Sedona, where police responded to another burglary call on April 29. Security footage confirmed Sheafe at the scene, dressed in a recognizable outfit and driving a red four-door truck.

Later that day, Sedona officers attempted to apprehend him during a vehicle pursuit. However, a minor crash ended the chase, and Sheafe escaped on foot into the Coconino National Forest. He continued to evade police until April 30, when security cameras spotted him again near a Sedona residence.

Police released a public alert that evening, describing Sheafe’s attire and a Hebrew tattoo on his neck reading “YHWH.” Later that night, authorities caught up with him in a rugged residential area. A foot chase ended with Sheafe's arrest. By then, police had connected him to the murder of Pastor Schonemann based on physical evidence and criminal activity in the area.

Detectives Suggest Random Victim Targeting

Captain David Lee of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the lack of any known relationship between the suspect and the victim. According to Lee, law enforcement believes Sheafe targeted Pastor Schonemann at random. He added that there are no indications the pastor had engaged in any criminal activity.

“At this time, we have information that suggests Sheafe acted alone, and there is no further danger to the community,” Lee said during a news conference. He also confirmed ongoing investigations involving other potential victims in Arizona, suggesting that additional crimes were being planned by Sheafe.

Authorities have charged Sheafe with a wide range of offenses, including burglary, fleeing from police, aggravated assault with a weapon, hit-and-run, property damage, and resisting arrest. Additional charges related to the pastor’s death are pending as prosecutors continue building the case.

Authorities Emphasize Severity of Crime Scene

While details surrounding the pastor’s murder remain tightly controlled out of respect for the family, police described the scene as both unusual and disturbing. Sheriff Jerry Sheridan called it “probably one of the most bizarre cases” in his four decades at the agency.

Captain Lee confirmed that the residence and New River Bible Church were examined extensively for over two days. He explained that the investigation uncovered signs indicating a crime motivated by religious belief, not theft.

“Based on what we found, it did not appear that robbery or theft was a motive in this case,” Lee said. “William Schonemann is a true victim in every sense of the word.”

Family of Suspect Speaks After Arrest

Chris Sheafe, father of the accused, stated that his son has battled substance abuse issues since a motorcycle crash years ago. He also said Adam developed what he termed an “obsession” with the Old Testament, which he believes played a part in recent behaviors.

Following the arrest, Chris revealed that his son seemed genuinely remorseful and ready to face the consequences. “He was very open and explained to me that he was very sorry about things that had occurred,” he said. “He said, ‘Just tell police to come and talk to me. And I'll sit them down and tell them everything that I've done.”

Chris added that his son had expressed willingness to fully cooperate with law enforcement and that he intended to plead guilty to the charges brought against him, letting the justice system take its course.