NEW RIVER, AZ — The man accused of murdering a New River pastor and attempting to harm other religious leaders has been sentenced to life in prison without release.
This summer, Adam Sheafe officially changed his plea. In court, Sheafe pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
The plea agreement took the death penalty off the table; instead, Sheafe will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
NEW RIVER MURDER
In June, Sheafe pleaded guilty to the murder 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.
In December, he filed to represent himself, and in March of 2026, he attempted to plead no contest.
Judge Patricia Starr said they would meet again in April and discuss a possible change of plea.
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.
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PLEADING GUILTY
The plea agreement 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.
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 saying he felt good about his decision.
SHEAFE APOLOGIZES
In court Friday, family and friends of Schonemann say they want him to be remembered for how he lived life.
Loved ones described how hard it has been to deal with the loss of Pastor Bill.
The victim's son, Randy Schonemann, even described having to clean up the scene.
Sheafe apologized in court, a first for the man who initially bragged about his crimes.
"I now recognize that my method of delivering my message, that our heavenly father alone deserves all praise and all glory, was severely flawed," said Sheafe.
He was seen smiling at family as he was led away after sentencing.
ABC15 asked Randy about the apology after court.
"You know, it's not for me to judge the authenticity of it," said Randy. "If it's true, it's great. It doesn't change the circumstances of what's occurred."
He and others are focusing on Pastor Bill's legacy. The Schonemann family is even working to start a scholarship fund in his honor.
"Initially we'll be starting with aircraft maintenance to help people do their tests," said Randy.
MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell sent ABC15 a statement after sentencing.
"Today, Adam Sheafe was sentenced to natural life with an additional 102 years in prison for the heinous attack and murder of beloved Bill Schonemann, known as “Pastor Bill.”
At sentencing, several family members and close friends, including Bill’s son Randy Schonemann, spoke to the court.
One family member said Bill was “truly a one-of-a-kind man. He served our country in the Navy during Vietnam. He was a devoted husband and a loving father, a business owner, and a mentor. He was a kind and gentle soul.”
As County Attorney, I am thankful to the numerous law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly and with an incredible sense of urgency to capture Sheafe before another attack could occur. We know he had planned a killing spree, and lives were saved because of the swift action of law enforcement and the community.
I commend the work of prosecutors Jennifer Linn and Jordan Uglietta for getting justice for Mr. Schonemann and his family."
