Family of Pastor Bill Schonemann speaks out as confessed killer was given life sentence
Man sentenced to life in New River pastor murder
Following the sentencing of Adam Scheafe for the murder of Pastor Bill Schonemann, the victim's son Randy Schonemann shared details about finding forgiveness and starting a new scholarship. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean reports.
PHOENIX - A confessed killer was sentenced to life behind bars on Aug. 14 in Phoenix.
The backstory:
Adam Scheafe pleaded guilty to the brutal, crucifixion-like murder of Pastor Bill Schonemann in April 2025. Sheafe claimed he planned to kill more than a dozen other pastors.
Judge accepts plea deal for man who killed New River pastor
The victim, identified as 76-year-old Pastor Bill Schonemann, was found dead inside his home in late April 2025. Investigators say Schonemann was found in a crucifixion-like position.
What we know:
It was an emotional day in court for the family and friends of Pastor Bill Schonemann. He was described as a kind, generous man who did not deserve the fate he suffered at the hands of Adam Sheafe.
Adam Sheafe (left) and William Schonemann
Video from inside the court shows Sheafe leaving the courtroom back into custody. He seems to smile toward the gallery. His appearance is much different than the last time he was seen in court, appearing on Aug. 14 with longer hair, a longer beard, and wearing glasses.
Dig deeper:
Sheafe originally asked to be executed, but later changed his mind and asked for a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.
During victim impact statements, Pastor Bill's loved ones shared how much they missed him and how they had to find forgiveness in their heart for the killer who took him in such a brutal way.
What they're saying:
We spoke with Randy Schonemann, Pastor Bill's son, outside court after the sentencing. He explained the mindset he was in while working on his impact statement.
"It's challenging, right? You have a hundred thoughts running around your head and occasionally one stands out, so I tried to grab each of those and put it down and I was able to expand on some of those later when I could wrap my head around it. Nobody ever wants to be in that position to speak, but it was never an option not to speak at the sentencing," Schonemann said.
Schonemann added that he does not have hatred toward Sheafe.
Sheafe did speak at the end of the sentencing today, taking responsibility for his actions, but Randy says that does not change anything in his mind.
What's next:
Randy shared that the family is working on a "Bill Built" scholarship for those pursuing mechanical careers and projects, similar to the ones his dad spent his life working on.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from court proceedings, court video, victim impact statements, and Randy Schonemann.