NEW RIVER, AZ — The man accused of murdering a New River pastor and attempting to harm other religious leaders has reached a plea agreement with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
Adam Sheafe officially changed his plea on Friday morning.
In court, Sheafe pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
The judge outlined aspects of the agreement in court, including that he would be sentenced to natural life for the murder charge.
NEW RIVER MURDER
Sheafe has now pleaded guilty in the death of Bill Schonemann.
Schonemann was a beloved pastor from New River who was found dead in his home at the end of April 2025.
Sheafe sat down with ABC15 last year, detailing his cross-country plan to kill religious leaders.
Originally, he told ABC15 he wanted the death penalty and had already confessed to the FBI.
At the time, he was being held in Coconino County, where he was arrested by law enforcement.
He was later charged with Schonemann's death and extradited to Maricopa County.
In July 2025, he first pleaded not guilty.
Then in December, he filed to represent himself, and in March of 2026, he attempted to plead no contest.
Jude Starr said they would meet again in April and discuss it more.
When everyone arrived at court, prosecutors said Sheafe had a "change of heart" following the death of his dad and stepmom in a plane crash.
After court, Sheafe sent ABC15 a message saying he had still planned to plead guilty.
"...but it just didn't work out that way. I have to trust God in all things so if it's a life sentence, then that's what it is. At this point I just want closure for everyone."
PLEADING GUILTY
The plea agreement also addressed a long list of charges, including kidnapping and attempt to commit murder.
The deal laid out dozens of years behind bars with certain terms running concurrently and consecutively to each other.
ABC15 spoke with Pastor Bill's son Randy Schonemann hours after the change of plea.
"I want to be clear that we are content with the plea deal as it sits right now," said Randy. "You know, and it took a lot to get there."
Our team asked what it was like to hear Sheafe plead guilty in court, especially after court hearings where there was so much uncertainty.
"Hearing him take responsibility or, you know, state his guilt in a clear manner instead of some of the things we've seen in videos," said Randy. "That was a good, a reassuring thing that we're moving down that path towards some final justice."
Sheafe sent a message to ABC15's Ashley Holden about his decision.
"Yes, the prosecutors offered a plea yesterday and I signed it. Today I plead guilty to all charges. Sentencing is set for 8/14/2026: a natural life sentence plus 102 years. I feel good about it."
Schoneman's son spoke to ABC15's Ashley Holden about today's sentencing. Watch the full interview in the video player below.
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