A man accused of killing an Arizona pastor in a ritualistic attack has asked a judge to sentence him to death, saying a quicker resolution would allow everyone involved to “move on with our lives,” according to court reports and news coverage.
The suspect’s request in court
Adam Christopher Sheafe, who is representing himself, appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court and asked to plead guilty to the killing of Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann, a longtime leader of New River Bible Chapel.
During the hearing, Sheafe urged the court to move directly toward a death sentence rather than continuing lengthy legal proceedings. He told the judge the process was dragging on and argued that the families involved deserve closure.
“What about the victims’ families? What about me? What about my family? We want closure so we can move on with our lives,” Sheafe said in court.
Prosecutors, however, rejected his attempt to enter a no-contest plea, and a judge has not yet accepted his request to plead guilty. The case is expected to continue, with another court hearing scheduled.
Details of the killing
Authorities say Schonemann, 76, was found dead in his home in New River, Arizona, in April 2025.
Investigators said the pastor’s body was positioned with his arms outstretched and his hands pinned to a wall in a manner resembling crucifixion, a detail that shocked the local community and drew national attention to the case.
Sheafe has reportedly admitted responsibility for the killing and said the crime was intentional and meant to be “heinous.”
Alleged broader plot
Authorities also allege the attack may have been part of a larger plan targeting Christian leaders.
Investigators said Sheafe had discussed a scheme to kill as many as 14 pastors or religious leaders across the United States, though those alleged plans were never carried out.
Because of the severity of the allegations, he faces multiple charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Kidnapping
- Burglary
- Additional related offenses tied to the incident
Why the death penalty is not automatic
Even if Sheafe pleads guilty, Arizona law requires prosecutors to prove specific aggravating factors before a death sentence can be imposed.
Examples cited in court include:
- The victim’s advanced age
- The especially brutal nature of the killing
A judge or jury would ultimately determine whether those factors justify capital punishment.
What happens next
Sheafe remains in custody while the case proceeds through the courts. His next scheduled hearing will determine whether the court accepts his guilty plea and how the prosecution plans to pursue the case.
Bottom line:
The Arizona man who admitted to killing a pastor in a gruesome attack is pushing for the death penalty himself, arguing that a swift sentence would bring closure to the victims’ families and allow everyone involved to “move on.” However, the court has not granted that request, and the case is still ongoing.
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This gruesome, evil, scumbag doesn’t want to go to jail where he knows that the other inmates won’t be very nice ( putting it gently ) to him.
Too bad! Put him in ‘the slammer’ and let him see some of what it’s like to endure what he did to that pastor!
Cruelty to him? And what did he do to that pastor?
When criminals have to REALLY ‘pay the price’ for what they have done, there certainly will be fewer of them who would be willing to do the crime in the first place.
It’s guaranteed that there will be fewer crimes committed by these people when they KNOW what awaits them!