More than a month after Pastor William Schonemann died in New River, a suspect connected to his murder has been arrested, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
While details remain limited, the Sheriff’s Office said the suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges in an undisclosed jurisdiction.
“Coordination between agencies is ongoing as we work to move the investigation forward,” said Sergeant Joaquin Enriquez, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office. He said the development marks a “significant step” toward bringing justice for the victim and his family.
The Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a deceased man at his home on the evening of April 28. Schonemann, 76, known as “Pastor Bill” locally, worked at the nondenominational New River Bible Chapel in the unincorporated community of about 17,000 people on the northern edge of metro Phoenix.
His death was labelled a homicide May 1. Enriquez said the Sheriff’s Office expects to release more information in the coming weeks but urged anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 602-876-TIPS.
Reach the writer at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New River pastor murder suspect in custody on unrelated charges