MARICOPA COUNTY, AZ — The man accused in the death of Bill Schonemann, the beloved pastor from New River, submitted a plea deal to prosecutors earlier this week, hoping to avoid the death penalty.
This comes after Adam Sheafe experienced a sudden family loss.
Ashley Holden is joined by Former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney,Josh Kolsrud for a live episode of Arizona Crime Uncovered in the player below.
"He did ask me to send over a plea offer to resolve the case; pleading to all counts, pleading to all aggravators, and getting a natural life sentence to resolve this case," said Denise Dees.
Dees is one of several people who serve as Sheafe's advisory counsel.
"Our understanding was that his change of heart had to do with the death of his father and stepmom in a horrific plane crash," said Kirsten Valenzuela with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
In court, the judge said that they need to ensure Sheafe is making sound decisions and wanted to give prosecutors time to review the proposed plea agreement.
"I would hate for your offer not to be considered just because you are trying to move things along faster, and I’m also a little concerned about your mental state because you suffered such an incredible loss and tragedy in your life," said Judge Patricia Starr
The parties will come back to court in June to continue the hearing.
After court, Sheafe sent ABC15's Ashley Holden 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."
Randy Schonemann, Pastor Bill's son, sent ABC15 the following statement on behalf of the Schonemann family:
“We were shocked to hear the news of Chris and Jacque Sheafe perishing in a small plane crash and give our condolences to their entire family and communities. I have spoke with friends in the Tucson aviation and Christian Church communities and empathize with their sorrow. We pray they find comfort in their way.
We obviously feel let down with another pause in the criminal case. We do appreciate greatly the work of the Judge and County Prosecutors to take the appropriate steps to assure complete resolution of this proceeding that doesn't become a revolving cycle of appeals.”
Pastor's death and suspect's motive
Schonemann was found dead in his home at the end of April 2025.
The suspect, Adam Sheafe, sat down with ABC15 last year, detailing his cross-country plan to kill religious leaders.
At the time, he was being held in Coconino County, where he was arrested by law enforcement.
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Sheafe was later charged in the death of Schonemann and brought to Maricopa County.
He first pleaded not guilty in July 2025.
In December, he filed to represent himself, and in March of 2026, he attempted to plead no contest.
Prosecutors objected to his motion, and Sheafe then offered to plead guilty if it could speed up the process.
Sheafe told the judge he gave a full confession to the FBI and conducted several media interviews.
He said he wants to move forward quickly in court for closure — for himself and for Schonemann's family.
Sheafe originally asked for the death penalty but has since changed his mind.
Former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney, Josh Kolsrud, joined Arizona Crime Uncovered back in March to describe what the next steps are legally.
