US EditionMan Accused of Crucifying Pastor Asks for Death Penalty: "I Did This"
Adam Sheafe, who confessed to killing Pastor Schonemann, seeks death penalty to expedite case closure amid objections from prosecutors in Maricopa County.
- On Thursday, Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, asked a judge to sentence him to death for the 2025 crucifixion-style murder of Pastor William Schonemann, arguing the expedited case would allow victims' families to "move on with our lives."
- Sheafe confessed to killing the 76-year-old New River Bible Chapel leader in April 2025, pinning his hands to a wall and placing a crown of thorns on his head in a crucifixion-style murder.
- Investigators say the murder was part of a plot Sheafe called "Operation First Commandment," in which he intended to target 14 Christian leaders across the United States for allegedly leading followers astray.
- Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Patricia Starr denied the immediate plea, stating the court must ensure proceedings are conducted "the right way" to confirm the defendant's competency and voluntariness.
- Scheduled to return to court April 24, Sheafe faces charges including first-degree murder and kidnapping, with prosecutors formally continuing to seek the death penalty under Arizona law.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Arizona Maniac Who Crucified Beloved Pastor Begs for Death Penalty — 'The Victims Want It. The Victim's Families Want It. I Want It, and the Taxpayers Want It.'
Adam Sheafe, the 51-year-old Arizona man who confessed to the brutal crucifixion-style murder of 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann, is now begging the court to give him the death penalty.
Man who crucified pastor asks for death penalty in court hearing, says he 'intended it to be heinous'
A man accused of killing an Arizona pastor in a crucifixion-style attack asked a court to sentence him to death during a hearing, saying the case should be resolved quickly so those involved can move forward. #PastorCrucified #DeathPenalty #HateCrimes #Murder #Crime
Arizona man who admitted to crucifying pastor asks for death penalty so 'we can move on with our lives' | Fox Wilmington WSFX-TV
close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for March 15 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on FoxNews.com. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An Arizona man accused of crucifying a pastor and placing a crown of thorns on the victim’s head has requested the death penalty so everyone “can move on with our lives.” Adam Sheafe, who is representing himself, asked the judge last week to allow him to enter a gui…
BIZARRE: Lunatic Who Crucified 76-Year-Old Pastor BEGS Judge for Death Penalty * 100PercentFedUp.com * by Kaley
A deranged man who carried out an act of pure evil last Spring is now begging the judge to give him the death penalty. In April 2025, Adam Christopher Sheafe killed 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann and then “crucified” him by pinning him to a wall and putting a crown of thorns on his head. Sheafe fully confessed to the horrific ritual murder and told authorities that he had planned to kill 13 other Christian leaders in the same way. Now, du…
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