Adam Sheafe is charged with killing pastor Bill Schonemann back in April. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will seek the death penalty in the case.

NEW RIVER, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will seek the death penalty against the man accused of the religiously motivated killing of a New River pastor.

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Adam Sheafe is accused of killing pastor Bill Schonemann back in April.

Schonemann was found dead in his home after members of his congregation became concerned about him.

In July, a grand jury indicted Sheafe on the following charges:

  • 1 count of first-degree murder, a Class 1 felony
  • 3 counts of attempt to commit first-degree murder, a Class 2 felony
  • 1 count of burglary in the second degree, a Class 3 felony
  • 1 count of burglary in the first degree, a Class 2 felony
  • 1 count of kidnapping, a Class 2 felony
  • 1 count of theft of means of transportation, a Class 3 felony
  • 1 count of criminal trespass in the second degree, a Class 2 misdemeanor.

“The pastor’s body had been positioned with the arms outstretched, similar to a crucifixion,” the MCAO said in the news release announcing the defendant’s indictment.

On Oct. 28, the MCAO filed a notice indicating the agency intended to seek the death penalty if the defendant is found guilty.

12News spoke to Sheafe during a jailhouse interview in June.

During the interview, Sheafe said he planned to “execute” and “crucify” a total of 14 priests in 10 states across the country.

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