The man accused of killing a New River pastor — part of what authorities allege was a broader plot to target multiple Christian leaders — has been extradited to Maricopa County following a grand jury indictment.
Adam Sheafe, 51, faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of Pastor William Schonemann, 76, of New River Bible Chapel, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Schonemann’s body was discovered April 28 by two members of his congregation, his arms outstretched as if he were crucified, the county attorney’s office said.
Sheafe was extradited July 18 from Coconino County to Maricopa County where he was booked and had a court appearance, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the county attorney’s office, Sheafe planned to kill 14 other Christian leaders nationwide. The county attorney’s office listed seven other felony counts and one misdemeanor that Sheafe was reportedly indicted on by a grand jury:
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three counts of attempt to commit first-degree murder, a Class 2 felony
one count of second-degree burglary, a Class 3 felony
one count of first-degree burglary, a Class 2 felony
one count of kidnapping, a Class 2 felony
one count of theft of means of transportation, a Class 3 felony
one count of second-degree criminal trespass, a Class 2 misdemeanor
Sheafe was caught breaking into a Sedona home, according to the county attorney’s office. During an investigation into a separate Sedona burglary, police recovered a stolen truck seen in surveillance footage, which also captured Sheafe, the office said. The vehicle had been taken during a break-in at a Cave Creek home two days before the pastor’s suspected murder.
Evidence collected from Schonemann’s home, the Cave Creek burglary, Sheafe’s backpack, and the stolen truck linked him to the pastor’s death, according to the county attorney’s office.
Known affectionately as “Pastor Bill,” Schonemann was fondly remembered by residents of the small, unincorporated community about 35 miles north of Phoenix. A husband and father, he was known for his love of trucks and his decades of service to others. He led the New River Bible Chapel for nearly 25 years and was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War, friends said.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man accused in murder of New River pastor faces felony charges