Maniac accused of crucifying Ariz. pastor begs for death penalty
Share this @internewscast.com

An individual accused of a gruesome murder, involving the crucifixion of a pastor and placing a crown of thorns on the victim, has implored an Arizona court to impose the death penalty, citing a need to “move on with our lives,” as per recent reports.

Adam Christopher Sheafe made this unusual request on Thursday, expressing frustration over the legal process, which he claims has been prolonged nearly a year since his arrest for allegedly killing 76-year-old Christian leader William Schonemann in a shocking ritual at Schonemann’s residence.

Representing himself in court, Sheafe had earlier confessed to the chilling murder during a media interview.


Pastor William "Bill" Schonemann wearing a navy fedora, white shirt, and blue suspenders.
Sheaf is accused of crucifying a pastor to a wall in the victim’s home. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

The defendant’s father, Chris Sheafe, told the Arizona’s Family outlet that his son had become obsessed with the Bible — and even got a large tattoo of a Hebrew word for God across his neck.

“Adam became extremely interested in the Old Testament. He read it extensively. And part of that process became his interest; we weren’t excited when we’d learned that he’d done it, but to have the tattoo,” Chris Sheafe said.

“It means God. It means he’s directly related to God. And he wanted people to know that was his allegiance.”

The accused killer, who claims he is mentally sound, tried to enter a no-contest plea, but the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office rejected that bid.

As a result, Sheafe offered to plead guilty, but a judge didn’t take any action Thursday because a future hearing needs to ensure his guilty plea is entered voluntarily, 12 News reported.

“Why do we have to drag this on and on and on? Why can’t we just go to sentencing? I’m not contesting anything,” the defendant whined Thursday.

“Before I was even indicted, I gave a full confession to the FBI. I did four interviews with four separate media outlets.”

But prosecutors need to convince a judge or jury of two aggravating factors in order for Sheafe to be put to death, according to 12 News.

The defendant himself offered two reasons: the victim’s elderly age and the sickening nature of the murder.

“It’s an undisputable fact that the crime was heinous in nature. I intended it to be heinous,” he admitted. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Career criminal accused of breaking into home, climbing into bed with child as family slept

Shocking Home Invasion: Career Criminal Charged with Disturbing Break-In While Family Slept

An Oklahoma man, known for his extensive criminal record, has been taken…
Neither the US nor Israel will 'succeed in replacing the Iranian regime,' retired US general says

Retired US General Doubts Feasibility of US and Israel’s Efforts to Change Iranian Leadership

A retired U.S. general has expressed skepticism regarding the ability of Israel…
Florida woman seen on video allegedly attacking pregnant driver, elderly bystander and biting police officer

Florida Frenzy: Woman Allegedly Assaults Pregnant Driver, Elderly Bystander, and Bites Officer in Shocking Video

A troubling incident unfolded in Orlando, Florida, when a local resident, Mandolyn…
March Madness college basketball: Andrej Stojakovic scores 21 as No. 3 seed Illinois beats 11th-seeded VCU 76-55 to reach Sweet 16

Stojakovic’s Stellar 21 Points Propel No. 3 Illinois to Sweet 16 Triumph Over VCU

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Andrej Stojakovic delivered an impressive 21-point performance as the…
Former Assad-era prison chief convicted of torture in US federal court, marking a historic first

Ex-Syrian Prison Chief Convicted in Landmark US Torture Case

A former Syrian prison official has been found guilty by a U.S.…
Iran Forms New Leadership Council After Khamenei's Death, Vows Revenge

CENTCOM Report: Over 8,000 Targets Eliminated as Iran’s Naval Forces Face Devastating Setback

In the early hours of Saturday, Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads the…
Trump administration laying groundwork to resume talks with Iran: report

Trump Administration Sets the Stage for Renewed Negotiations with Iran: Key Developments Unveiled

Reports suggest that discussions have begun within the Trump administration regarding the…
USPS mailman who violently shoved Jewish boy in NYC suburb to face new charge, police said

USPS Mail Carrier Faces Additional Charges for Alleged Assault on Jewish Youth in NYC Suburb, Police Report

A postal worker from Rockland County, involved in an aggressive incident with…
Northbrook home invasion on Butternut Lane leads to police chase, SWAT response on South Wallace Street in Chicago, officials say

Northbrook Home Invasion Sparks High-Stakes SWAT Standoff in Chicago: Police Chase Culminates on South Wallace Street

In a dramatic series of events on Friday, a home invasion in…
Turbulence in the skies! TSA callouts threaten to shut airports down

Impending Airport Chaos: TSA Callouts Spark Concerns of Nationwide Travel Disruptions

Airports nationwide are teetering on the edge of closure due to a…
Senior nearly defrauded out of $23K by teenager for driveway cleaning in Jacksonville: JSO

Jacksonville Teen’s $23K Driveway Cleaning Scam Foiled by JSO, Targeted Senior Saved

A 17-year-old teenager is accused of attempting to scam an elderly man…
Four lefty NYC pols subpoenaed in GOP colleague's free-speech suit to explain their racist remarks about conservatives

Four NYC Politicians Subpoenaed in GOP Colleague’s Free-Speech Lawsuit Over Alleged Racist Comments About Conservatives

Four socialist lawmakers from New York City are set to testify under…