NEW RIVER, AZ — A suspicious death is under investigation in a New River neighborhood.
At about 7:30 p.m. Monday, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a home located near 20th Street and Calvary Road for reports of a deceased elderly man.
When deputies arrived, they located the victim and suspected foul play.
The man has been identified by MCSO as 76-year-old William Schonemann.
Neighbors tell ABC15 they knew the man as Pastor Bill, who led service at New River Bible Chapel for decades.
People that knew Pastor Bill described him as a “true pastor” and a loving father. Friends and congregation members told us he was a veteran who loved to work on cars and even planes.
Some even described his sermon Sunday, telling ABC15 he would be greatly missed.
“My heart just dropped,” said former congregation member Zane Sharpe. “It dropped to my core. Like what a sweet guy, a pastor too. Everyone holds pastors in high esteem, but this guy truly lived what he spoke.”
Detectives are awaiting the results of an autopsy report to determine the cause of death.
ABC15 is working to get more information and will update this story when it becomes available.
