Shocking Arizona Crime: Suspect Pleads for Death Penalty in Pastor Crucifixion Case

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.

“From the start, I have admitted to this. I’ve explained my reasons, and I’m not disputing anything,” Sheafe told the judge and prosecutors on Thursday, as reported by Fox 10.

“Initially, my right to a speedy trial was set at five months, but now it’s stretching to almost two and a half years. This is being prolonged under the guise of justice.

“What about the victim’s families? What about me? What about my family? We need closure to move forward with our lives.”

Law enforcement said Sheafe drove from Phoenix to New River on April 28 to gruesomely execute Schonemann as part of a larger plot to murder 14 Christian leaders.

Schonemann, who was the beloved leader of New River Bible Chapel for 25 years, was found dead with his arms spread out in his bed and his hands pinned to a wall, according to authorities.

Sheafe claimed in a previous interview that his victim and other Christian pastors were leading followers onto a false path and dubbed his greater scheme “Operation First Commandment.”

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.