An Arizona pastor was murdered in his home. The suspect admitted to the crime in a jailhouse interview and said he planned to kill more people. – 12News

Report on the Confession and Arrest of Suspect in New River Pastor’s Murder

Incident Overview

Adam Sheafe, currently in custody at Coconino County Jail, has admitted to the murder of Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann in New River, Arizona. In an interview conducted by 12News from his jail cell, Sheafe confirmed his involvement and revealed plans to target additional religious leaders across multiple states.

Details of the Crime and Suspect’s Motive

• Sheafe disclosed intentions to “execute” and “crucify” 14 priests in 10 states, motivated by religious beliefs.
• He termed his actions “Operation First Commandment,” citing a belief that the New Testament and Jesus Christ contradict the biblical commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3, NIV).
• Sheafe expressed that he views himself as carrying out a divine crusade and denied any mental illness, asserting his perception of truth.
• The murder occurred on April 28, following Sheafe’s stalking of Pastor Schonemann during a Bible study and subsequent return to execute the crime.
• After the murder, Sheafe attempted to target two priests at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona but was apprehended following a police chase.

Legal Status and Suspect’s Statements

• Sheafe is awaiting extradition to Maricopa County and has requested immediate sentencing to death row, stating that victims, families, and taxpayers support this outcome.
• He believes that execution will not end his existence, describing death as separation of spirit and flesh.

Family Response

• Randall Schonemann, son of Pastor Bill Schonemann, expressed relief that Sheafe admitted guilt, hoping it will facilitate the court process.
• He refrained from taking a definitive stance on the death penalty, emphasizing trust in God’s plan and a commitment to moving forward without succumbing to anger or hatred.
• He noted that if the death penalty is pursued, it may take decades to be carried out.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The case underscores the importance of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
• Law enforcement’s intervention prevented further potential violence, highlighting the role of strong institutions in safeguarding communities.
• The judicial process and respect for legal procedures reflect commitments to uphold justice and human rights.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The suspect’s denial of mental illness raises awareness about the need for mental health support and interventions to prevent violence.
• Promoting mental health and well-being is critical to reducing risks of violent acts motivated by extremist beliefs.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Education plays a vital role in fostering tolerance, understanding, and critical thinking to counteract extremist ideologies and promote peaceful coexistence.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Ensuring safe and inclusive communities requires coordinated efforts to prevent violence and protect vulnerable groups, including religious leaders and congregations.

Additional Information and Resources

Extended Interview

An extended version of the interview with Adam Sheafe is available through 12News, providing further insights into the case.

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses a violent crime involving murder and threats to public safety, highlighting issues related to justice, law enforcement, and social stability.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The suspect’s mental health and the implications of violent behavior touch upon mental health awareness and the need for support systems.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • While not explicitly mentioned, the article’s focus on violence and crime can be linked to broader issues of violence prevention, which is relevant to gender-based violence prevention efforts under SDG 5.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 16
   • Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • Indicator 16.4.2: Proportion of seized, found or surrendered arms whose illicit origin or context has been traced or established by a competent authority in line with international instruments.
2. For SDG 3
   • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied by discussion of mental health and violent behavior).
3. For SDG 5
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age.
   • Indicator 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by age and place of occurrence.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: 12news.com