The man accused of killing an Arizona pastor in April has confessed to the crime and revealed he intended to target 14 other religious leaders in a chilling series of attacks across the country.

Adam Sheafe, 51, admitted in June to the murder of Pastor William "Bill" Schonemann and disclosed to authorities and media that he had mapped out a religiously motivated plan to kill multiple pastors, beginning in Arizona, CBN reported.

Pastor Schonemann, a 76-year-old minister in New River, Arizona, was found dead in his home in late April after Maricopa County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call. Officials discovered the body staged with arms outstretched and pinned in a crucifix-like display along one of the home's interior walls.

Gruesome Scene Sparks Immediate Investigation

Following the initial discovery, authorities began investigating Schonemann’s death as a homicide. Sheriff’s Deputy Will Jinks stated that, based on what first responders saw at the scene, foul play was suspected from the beginning.

The case remained without a named suspect for several weeks until Sheafe emerged as a person of interest during a separate arrest. He was being held at the Coconino County Detention Center on unrelated charges when detectives linked him to the crime.

In a subsequent interview broadcast on ABC15, Sheafe openly confessed to carrying out the killing and described a broader plan that he had allegedly been preparing for years. Authorities soon confirmed aspects of his statement, including identifying additional individuals Sheafe had intended to target.

Confession Unveils Broader Plan of Violence

Sheafe told law enforcement and reporters that he set out from California following his early release from federal prison, launching a cross-country journey to assassinate religious figures. He began in Arizona, which he said held personal significance because it was the state where he had been baptized.

He revealed that his plan involved targeting four pastors in Arizona before expanding to others throughout the United States. Each of the intended crimes was to follow a ritualistic pattern involving a crown of thorns props and the positioning of victims to mimic crucifixion scenes.

Describing the murder of Pastor Schonemann, Sheafe said he acted during the early hours, entering the pastor’s home, suffocating him, and then staging the body. “I just drove there like two in the morning, maybe, and parked. And then I just went in there and did it,” Sheafe said during the interview.

Unprecedented Motive Rooted in Religious Symbolism

Law enforcement officials have said that Sheafe’s actions appear to be premeditated and fueled by religious ideology, although he claimed he was not divinely instructed to commit the crimes. “That was my plan with all of them... because I'm making a statement,” he added during questioning.

Captain David Lee of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the religious nature of the motive and the likelihood that more victims were being sought. Authorities stated that some intended victims have already been notified, and precautions are being taken.

In a further attempt to underline his intention, Sheafe told FBI investigators that he wanted to be executed and offered to plead guilty without delay. “I want the death sentence… I'll plead guilty right now, on the spot,” he said, underscoring the gravity of his confession.

Family Ties and Troubled Background Surface

Adam Sheafe’s father, Chris Sheafe, offered his perspective in light of his son’s recent actions. According to him, Adam had a history of criminal behavior and had only recently begun to fixate on Old Testament scripture in unhealthy ways.

Chris noted that he had not spoken with his son for some time before the crime. However, when they did reconnect afterward, Adam was candid and remorseful. “He was very open and explained to me that he was very sorry about things that had occurred,” his father said.

Police are continuing to investigate the extent of Sheafe’s plan and are working with national law enforcement partners to determine if similar crimes may have been previously attempted or planned elsewhere.

Authorities Alert Faith Leaders Across the U.S.

In response to Sheafe’s confession, law enforcement has begun briefing religious leaders who may have been among the planned targets. While not all names have been released, authorities remain vigilant, collaborating with federal agencies to ensure additional safety measures.

Officials stressed that although Pastor Schonemann was selected randomly, the broader pattern of the attacks involved symbolism connected to Christianity and was designed to generate fear. One pastor was reportedly spared after Sheafe saw him with his family and changed his mind.

The case has sparked concern in religious communities and raised questions about monitoring ex-convicts who may pose a threat after being released back into the public. Sheafe’s history and early release are now part of the investigation’s ongoing review.

Pastor Schonemann was widely remembered in the New River area as a dedicated servant to his congregation. Community members expressed shock over the deliberately symbolic nature of his murder and looked to law enforcement for answers and preventative strategies going forward.