In a deeply disturbing jailhouse interview, Adam Christopher Sheafe, 51, confessed to the brutal murder of Pastor William Schonemann — a 76-year-old Arizona minister known as “Pastor Bill” — in what he described as the start of a religiously motivated killing spree targeting Christian leaders across the United States.

Speaking from Coconino County Jail, Sheafe told True Crime Arizona and Fox 10 News that he crucified the elderly pastor inside his New River home on April 28, as part of what he called “Operation First Commandment.” He claimed it was a divine mission to punish religious leaders who, in his view, were leading their flocks away from “God the Father.”

“I executed him. I nailed his hands. I put a crown of thorns on his head,” Sheafe said, referring to a crown he made from desert thorns.

“What you’re preaching is not what God said. It’s the opposite.”

“14 Pastors, 10 States”: A Chilling Plan

In the interview, Sheafe revealed plans to kill 14 pastors in 10 states, using the same gruesome crucifixion ritual. His alleged hit list spanned from Las Vegas to New York, with planned stops in cities including Portland, Detroit, and Charlotte.

He had reportedly attempted to kill a Phoenix-area priest following Easter services but abandoned the effort when others unexpectedly arrived. He later traveled to Sedona intending to murder two more pastors but was intercepted following a burglary and high-speed chase. Evidence found in a stolen car tied him to Pastor Bill’s murder.

“Where it starts is where it ends — like the Garden of Eden,” Sheafe said, indicating that Phoenix was both the beginning and intended end of his cross-country “mission.”

No Remorse, No Regret

Sheafe was cold and calculated in his confession. He openly denied feeling remorse, saying:

“Will I apologize for my actions? Absolutely not. I’m defending my Father.”

He added, however, that he might offer sympathy to the Schonemann family — though not for the murder itself:

“I’m sorry they got caught in the crossfire.”

Sheafe rejected claims of mental illness and insisted he was acting under God’s law, not man’s.

“I don’t hate Christians. I’m after the pastors that are leading them astray,” he said.

“All you gotta do is worship Jesus, and you go to Heaven — that’s not what God said.”

Awaiting Charges, Public Backlash

Sheafe is currently being held on unrelated charges, though murder charges are pending. He is expected to be extradited to Maricopa County, where Pastor Schonemann’s murder took place.

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan described the case as “the most tragic and bizarre” he had encountered in his career.

Family Speaks Out

Pastor Schonemann’s family issued a statement condemning the attention Sheafe is receiving and the platform he has been given to share his views:

“His side of the story is only half of the whole story. We’re shocked he’s allowed to freely message from jail using county-supplied devices. His notoriety is growing, and we fear he may gain a following.”

They called for accountability and urged authorities to prevent further danger.

“He has clearly stated his intent to continue. Our focus is ensuring no one else gets hurt.”

A Case That Raises National Alarms

Sheafe’s confession has sparked national concern over extremist violence cloaked in religious justification. Experts warn that his statements could inspire copycats, especially given his increasing visibility online and in media.

While Sheafe claims he wants the death penalty, insisting it will “show that you can’t kill God’s son,” prosecutors have not confirmed whether they will pursue capital punishment.

This chilling case continues to unfold — and may soon test how far freedom of speech, religious extremism, and mental health defenses can be stretched in the American legal system.