“To rid Israel of evil”: Man crucifies pastor in Arizona citing divine mission

Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, has confessed to the murder of New River pastor Bill Schonemann, revealing a disturbing plot to "execute" and "crucify" at least 14 Christian leaders across 10 states in what he called "Operation First Commandment".

Sheafe, who showed no remorse, stated his actions were part of a "divine mission" to "rid Israel of evil" and punish pastors he believed were misleading their followers.

Pastor Schonemann, 76, a beloved figure at New River Bible Chapel, was found dead in his home on April 28. Sheafe was apprehended on April 30 in Sedona.

In a jailhouse interview on June 24, Sheafe admitted to the killing, explaining his motive stemmed from a belief that Christian pastors preach a false doctrine regarding Jesus and the Trinity.

He confessed to placing a crown of thorns, made from desert trees, on Pastor Schonemann's head after the killing, a symbolic act to signify the pastor's preaching was contrary to his beliefs. Pastor Schonemann was found dead in his bed, not physically crucified.

Sheafe's "Operation First Commandment" targeted 14 pastors and priests, starting and ending in Arizona. His alleged hit list included cities in Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. He claimed he was about to kill two priests in Sedona before his arrest.

The New River community is mourning Pastor Schonemann, remembered for his kindness and willingness to help. His family expressed alarm over Sheafe "enjoying the attention" and his continued public messaging from jail, viewing it as a "very serious threat".

Sheafe has not yet been formally charged with Pastor Schonemann's murder but is currently held in Coconino County Jail on unrelated burglary charges, including two burglaries in Sedona, unlawful flight, aggravated assault, and theft of a stolen vehicle.

His criminal history includes a 2013 domestic violence arrest and federal prison time for bank fraud and identity theft. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is working to prepare formal murder charges.