A self-proclaimed religious zealot named Adam Christopher Sheafe has confessed to brutally crucifying an Arizona pastor as part of his “Operation First Commandment” – a horrific plot to assassinate 14 Christian leaders across 10 states who he believed were leading people astray by elevating Jesus as God.
Key Takeaways
- Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, confessed to murdering Pastor Bill Schonemann in Phoenix by nailing his hands to a wall and placing a crown of thorns on his head in a staged crucifixion.
- Sheafe planned to kill 14 Christian leaders across 10 states in what he called “Operation First Commandment,” targeting pastors he believed were “leading people astray.”
- The suspect showed no remorse, justified his actions with twisted religious beliefs, and has advocated for his own execution.
- Sheafe was apprehended after a high-speed chase in Sedona, Arizona, before he could kill two priests who were next on his hit list.
- The brutal murder has sparked widespread alarm among Christian communities nationwide as investigators work to determine if others were involved in the plot.
Gruesome Murder Scene Reveals Suspect’s Disturbing Religious Motives
Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, has admitted to the horrific killing of Pastor Bill Schonemann in New River, Arizona, in what can only be described as a ritualistic murder meant to mock Christian beliefs. The pastor was found dead in his home with his hands nailed to the wall and a crown of thorns placed on his head in a grotesque mimicry of Christ’s crucifixion. Authorities have indicated that Sheafe specifically targeted the pastor due to his religious beliefs and teachings, claiming that pastors who preach Jesus as God are violating what he considers the “First Commandment.”
During police interviews, Sheafe recounted the disturbing details of the murder with chilling detachment. “I drove from there (Phoenix) to Bill’s house, like two in the morning on a Sunday night, and I executed him,” Adam Christopher Sheafe told investigators, as reported by Arizona Family News.
“Operation First Commandment”: A Nationwide Plot Against Christian Leaders
According to law enforcement officials, Sheafe’s plans extended far beyond the murder of Pastor Schonemann. He had meticulously planned what he called “Operation First Commandment,” a nationwide killing spree targeting 14 Christian leaders across 10 states. The list included pastors and priests in cities including Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, New York City, and locations in Montana, Michigan, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. Sheafe had developed this plan over several months while in California before beginning his murderous mission in Arizona.
“‘God, the Father alone, is God of the First Commandment, and the Son who wears the crown is … Jesus is the son of Satan.’ He said, ‘Oh, come on.’ And I said, ‘Hold still.’ And I executed him,” Mr. Sheafe told authorities.
Fortunately, law enforcement intercepted Sheafe before he could continue his killing spree. He was apprehended following a high-speed chase and subsequent foot pursuit in Sedona, Arizona, where he allegedly planned to kill two more priests. The suspect is currently being held on charges of burglary, trespassing, and assault, with murder charges pending as the investigation continues. Authorities are working diligently to verify if others might have been involved in planning or supporting the suspect’s murderous agenda.
Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to the murder.
As is often the case with Jew haters, Dave Reilly is lying.
Sheafe is Christian, per a local news interview.
He was planning to target people of different faiths, "Christian, Catholic, Mormon"@CommunityNotes https://t.co/RSSxMucTEb https://t.co/eX2HnXhS4T pic.twitter.com/ATFAGDNcWX
— Gabe Hoffman (@GabeHoff) June 25, 2025
Suspect Shows No Remorse, Welcomes Death Penalty
Perhaps most disturbing in this case is Sheafe’s complete lack of remorse for his actions. In multiple interviews with authorities and media outlets, he has consistently justified the murder on religious grounds, claiming he was following what he believes to be God’s law. Sheafe has even gone so far as to advocate for his own execution, bizarrely claiming that he cannot be killed because he is protected by God, in what appears to be a delusional messianic complex.
“Will I apologize for my actions? Absolutely not,” declared Adam Sheafe.
The suspect has repeatedly insisted that he is mentally sound and acting out of religious conviction rather than hatred for Christians. “I don’t hate Christians. I’m after the pastors that are leading them astray,” Sheafe said during one interview. He also rejected any notion that he himself had been victimized by Christians in the past, instead framing his actions as a righteous mission to correct what he perceives as false teaching.
Christian Communities on High Alert as Investigation Continues
The Schonemann family has expressed deep concern over Sheafe’s media appearances, worried that the extensive coverage might inspire copycat crimes or give the killer the notoriety he seems to crave. Meanwhile, Christian communities across the country have been placed on high alert as federal and local authorities work to determine whether Sheafe was acting alone or if his plan indicates a broader organized threat against religious leaders. Many churches have reportedly increased security measures in response to the threat.
“I want the death penalty because I want to show that you can’t kill God’s son. The whole story is B.S.,” stated Adam Christopher Sheafe.
The case has sent shockwaves through faith communities nationwide, highlighting the persistent threat of violence driven by twisted religious ideologies. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings move forward, authorities are focused on ensuring that justice is served for Pastor Schonemann’s family while preventing any further attacks on religious leaders. Sheafe remains in custody and has not yet been extradited to Maricopa County, where he will likely face additional charges for the pastor’s murder.
