In a gruesome anti-Christian attack reminiscent of ancient Roman persecution, Adam Christopher Sheafe crucified an Arizona pastor as part of a chilling 10-state plot to murder 14 Christian leaders in what he called “Operation First Commandment.”
Key Takeaways
- Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to killing Pastor Bill Schonemann in a mock crucifixion, complete with nailing his hands to a wall and placing a crown of thorns on his head
- The suspect planned to murder 14 Christian leaders across 10 states, targeting those he believed were “leading people astray” by teaching Jesus is God
- Sheafe called his plan “Operation First Commandment” and was apprehended after a high-speed chase in Arizona before he could kill two priests in Sedona
- The unrepentant killer has requested the death penalty, claiming divine protection and justifying his actions with distorted religious beliefs
Horrific Crucifixion Murder and Nationwide Terror Plot
Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, has sent shockwaves through religious communities after confessing to the brutal murder of Pastor Bill Schonemann in New River, Arizona. In a disturbing jailhouse interview, Sheafe not only admitted to the killing but revealed plans to murder 14 Christian leaders across 10 states. The gruesome nature of Pastor Schonemann’s death – found with his hands nailed to a wall and a crown of thorns placed on his head – has heightened fears among religious communities nationwide as authorities work to determine if Sheafe was acting alone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEOybb1y_HU
Sheafe’s so-called “Operation First Commandment” targeted Christian pastors and priests in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. According to his confession, the killing spree was religiously motivated, targeting Christian leaders who elevate Jesus as God. Sheafe was arrested following a high-speed chase and foot pursuit in Sedona, Arizona, where law enforcement believe he was planning to murder two more priests before moving on to other states. He is currently held on charges of burglary, trespassing, and assault, with murder charges pending.
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
Unrepentant Killer Shows No Remorse
In a series of chilling interviews from jail, Sheafe has shown no remorse for his actions, instead justifying the murder with his twisted religious beliefs. When asked about the killing, Sheafe coldly recounted the murder, saying, “‘Are you praying to Jesus right now?’ And he said, ‘Yes’. And I said, ‘Good, because he can’t hear you.'” He continued, “‘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.”
“I drove from there (Phoenix) to Bill’s house, like two in the morning on a Sunday night, and I executed him,” said Adam Christopher Sheafe.
The Schonemann family has expressed concern over Sheafe’s media appearances, fearing they could inspire copycat crimes or grant the killer the notoriety he seeks. Despite these concerns, Sheafe has continued to speak openly about his actions and beliefs in multiple interviews. When asked if he would apologize for his actions, Sheafe responded defiantly, “Will I apologize for my actions? Absolutely not.” He denied being mentally unstable and rejected any suggestion that he had been victimized by Christians in the past.
Religious Extremism and Demands for Death Penalty
Perhaps most disturbing is Sheafe’s open advocacy for his own execution. “I want the death penalty because I want to show that you can’t kill God’s son. The whole story is B.S.,” Sheafe stated, suggesting he believes himself to be divinely protected. His warped religious views appear centered on a rejection of Christian theology regarding Jesus Christ’s divinity. “I don’t hate Christians. I’m after the pastors that are leading them astray,” he explained, revealing his belief that he was acting as some sort of religious enforcer.
“‘Oh, there’s a new covenant,’ they say, ‘God’s laws have been annulled. Just worship this man and you go to heaven.’ That’s what Satan would say. That’s why this world is a wreck,” said Mr. Sheafe.
This case highlights the growing concern about targeted religious violence in America. While left-wing media often focus exclusively on potential threats to mosques or synagogues, this horrific anti-Christian attack demonstrates that houses of worship and religious leaders of all faiths face dangerous threats. Law enforcement agencies across multiple states are now investigating whether Sheafe had accomplices or connections to organized extremist groups, while also working to protect the religious leaders who were on his hit list.
