MCSO identifies suspect in New River pastor’s homicide

PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect in the homicide of a pastor in New River, who is in custody in Coconino County.

William “Bill” Schonemann, 76, was found dead in his home in the area of Circle Mountain and 16th Street on April 28.

The suspect was identified as Adam Sheafe.

The sheriff’s office described the motive for the crime as “religious” in nature. But didn’t further elaborate.

“This case is probably one of the most bizarre cases, I’ve ever seen in my 40 years with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said.

The sheriff’s office also said the suspect planned to target several future victims with some of them living in Arizona.

No ties were found between Schonemann and the suspect.

At the time of the crime, the sheriff’s office said Schonemann’s death was suspicious and foul play was suspected, and a short time later, it was determined to be a homicide.

 On June 6, the sheriff’s office announced it had identified a suspect in the homicide.

The arrest brought some relief to the pastor’s family. Schonemann’s son Randy spoke with 12News a few hours after the press conference.

“Knowing that the person is in custody that’s a step toward justice in my Dad’s murder but even more so than that is this person can’t do this to someone else,” Randy said.

The sheriff’s office did not release the suspect’s name at that time but did reveal the suspect was in custody on unrelated charges in another jurisdiction. It said more information would be released at a later date.

MORE INFORMATION: Friends and family react as detectives identify suspect connected to New River pastor’s murder

This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.

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