by L Richardson
Operation First Commandment exposes a terrifying reality we can no longer ignore – a self-proclaimed religious zealot has confessed to murdering and crucifying an Arizona pastor in what appears to be the first step in a nationwide killing spree10. Adam Christopher Sheafe, the 51-year-old suspect, admitted to the grisly murder of Pastor Bill Scheunemann, who was discovered dead in his home with his arms spread wide and pinned to the wall in a crucifixion pose10. The horror doesn’t end there.
What makes this case particularly chilling is Sheafe’s confession that Pastor Bill was merely the first target in what he called a “divine mission” to punish religious leaders11. In fact, Sheafe revealed he had planned to “execute” and “crucify” at least 14 pastors and priests across 10 different states, including Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas11. According to his own testimony, he believed Christians were being led astray by these religious leaders13, and he considered his actions “a commandment to rid Israel of evil “14.
We must confront the disturbing truth that this wasn’t a random act of violence but a calculated assault on Christian leadership. Found just a week after Easter, Pastor Schonemann’s brutal murder represents the beginning of what could have become one of the most targeted attacks on Christian leaders in recent history. The suspect even named his horrific plan “Operation First Commandment” 14, revealing the twisted religious motivation behind his violent campaign.
The Gruesome Murder: Pastor Bill’s Martyrdom
Image Source: ABC15 Arizona
The darkness of early morning on April 27, 2025, became the backdrop for one of the most shocking acts of religious violence in recent American history. New River, Arizona—a normally peaceful community—transformed into the first battleground of what Adam Christopher Sheafe dubbed his “Operation First Commandment.”
Details of the Crime
Under cover of darkness, Sheafe executed his sinister plan at approximately 2 a.m., breaking into Pastor Bill Schonemann’s residence while the beloved spiritual leader slept. What followed was not merely a murder but nonetheless a ritualistic killing with disturbing religious symbolism. Sheafe systematically nailed Pastor Bill to his own wall in a crucifixion pose, arms spread wide. They were secured with metal fasteners through his hands.
Moreover, the killer didn’t stop at mere crucifixion. He fashioned a crown of thorns—mimicking the biblical torture of Jesus Christ—and placed it on Pastor Schonemann’s head. The bloody scene remained undiscovered until the following day, April 28, when concerned church members found their pastor’s body after he failed to appear for Sunday services.
The crime scene revealed Sheafe’s meticulous planning. He had brought his own tools specifically for this ritualistic murder, demonstrating this was no crime of passion initially but rather a calculated execution. Pastor Bill’s blood-stained walls told the story of his final moments—alone, facing a madman convinced he was carrying out divine judgment.
Sheaf e’s Motive
During his subsequent jailhouse interviews, Sheafe displayed zero remorse for his actions. “What you’re preaching is not what God said. It’s the opposite!” he declared with chilling conviction. His twisted logic centered on an obsession with Old Testament teachings that he believed modern Christian leaders were deliberately distorting.
“It’s a commandment to rid Israel of evil,” Sheafe stated during one interview, revealing how he had contorted ancient religious texts into a personal mandate for violence. His father, Chris Sheafe, later confirmed his son’s growing religious fanaticism, noting the “Yahweh” tattoo Adam had recently acquired as evidence of his escalating fixation on Old Testament interpretations.
After all, Sheafe considered himself not a murderer but rather an instrument of divine punishment. “God will forgive my sins because he is a loving God,” he insisted from behind bars, displaying the dangerous cognitive dissonance driving his actions. His repeated references to himself as “carrying out God’s will” showed how deeply he had fallen into his self-created religious delusion.
Consequently, Sheafe justified his attack as righteousness rather than the heinous crime it was. His jail interviews revealed he maintained a hit list organized by geographic regions, with Pastor Bill being merely the first target in what he planned as a nationwide crusade against what he called “shepherds leading the flock astray.”
Pastor Bill’s Legacy
William “Bill” Schonemann represented everything good about small-town ministry. Friends and family described him as a “truck-building saint” who operated a mechanic shop in New River where he not only fixed vehicles but also used his skills to help those in need. His hands—the same hands Sheafe violently nailed to the wall—had spent decades building and repairing vehicles for community members who couldn’t afford repairs elsewhere.
“He was an angel among us,” one tearful church member stated. As a vintage car enthusiast, Pastor Bill had converted his passion into a ministry, offering free repairs to struggling families and often providing transportation to those without means. His mechanic shop served as both a business and unofficial community center where people knew they could find not only mechanical help but also spiritual guidance.
His brutal murder sent shockwaves through New River, a community unaccustomed to such violence. Residents described feeling as though “darkness had descended” on their town. The mechanic shop where Pastor Bill spent so many hours serving others now stands as a somber reminder of his sacrifice.
Randy Scheunemann, Pastor Bill’s son, offered perhaps the most powerful testament to his father’s character when he noted that his father would have forgiven Sheafe—even as Randy himself struggled with that same forgiveness. “My father believed in redemption for everyone,” Randy stated. “Even though I can’t understand this evil act, I know what my father would say if he were here.”
The outpouring of grief extended beyond New River’s boundaries as news of the killing spread. Churches across Arizona began implementing security measures, fearful they might be next on Sheafe’s list. Pastor Bill’s funeral drew hundreds from surrounding communities, a testament to his wide-reaching impact.
For this reason, many now refer to Pastor Bill not simply as a murder victim but rather as a martyr—someone who died because of his faith and commitment to spiritual leadership. His death, while horrific, has already inspired many to continue his legacy of practical service combined with spiritual guidance.
The combination of Pastor Bill’s genuine goodness contrasted with Sheafe’s twisted violence creates an especially stark picture of this crime. A man who spent his life building things was destroyed by someone determined to tear it down. A man who fixed what was broken became the target of someone irreparably broken himself.
Important to realize that Pastor Bill’s death represents more than just one murder—it marks the beginning of what could have become a nationwide killing spree had Sheafe not been apprehended. The Crown of Thorns murder in Arizona could have been just the first of many similar scenes across America had “Operation First Commandment” continued uninterrupted.
The Demonic Hit List: Operation First Commandment
Adam Christopher Sheafe’s bloody crusade against Christian leadership stretched far beyond the quiet town of New River. After executing “Pastor Bill” Schonemann, his demonic plot—which he coldly named “Operation First Commandment”—was just beginning. Law enforcement officials uncovered a meticulous plan that would have brought unprecedented bloodshed to churches across America had Sheafe not been captured.
Nationwide Scope
The scope of Sheafe’s planned killing spree is nothing short of terrifying. In jailhouse interviews, he freely admitted his intentions to target a total of 14 religious leaders across 10 different states. His hit list, organized by geographic regions, reads like a twisted cross-country death march:
“From there, it was Las Vegas, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Billings, Montana; Detroit, Michigan; New York, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; Beaumont, Texas; and El Paso, Texas,” Sheafe explained with disturbing calmness6.
Perhaps most alarming, Arizona—Sheaf’s birth state—was meant to bear the heaviest toll. “So, four of them were going to get hit in Arizona,” he revealed, indicating a symbolic beginning and end to his crusade6. “Where it starts is where it ends, like the Garden of Eden,” he added, revealing the biblical framework of his twisted plan6.
The religious nature of his targeting was explicit. Sheafe wasn’t randomly selecting victims; instead, he was specifically hunting religious leaders who preached the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. “Christian, Catholic, Mormon. Anyone preaching that Jesus is God, essentially the Trinity, a concept created by man, as Paul did. He’s not God. God, the father alone, is God,” he declared7.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office officials confirmed the religious motivation behind Sheafe’s actions. “The information we have indicates that the motive was religious in nature, and that there were several future victims planned, some of those in Arizona, and that he had taken action in furtherance of those additional crimes,” stated MCSO Captain David Lee4.
Phoenix Priest Stalking
Before Pastor Schonemann’s murder, Sheafe had already begun stalking his first intended victim. According to his confession, he arrived in Phoenix and followed a priest home after Easter Sunday services on April 20, 20256. His plan was interrupted only by chance.
“And when he pulled into his driveway, the two women came into the garage,” Sheafe recounted6. This unexpected development saved the priest’s life, as Sheafe made a calculated decision to abort the attack. “I’m not interested in executing anyone other than the pastors or the shepherds leading the flock astray,” he coldly stated.
Immediately following this failed attempt, Sheafe redirected his focus to Pastor Bill Schonemann in New River. Authorities discovered that Sheafe had been casing the New River Bible Church area in late April, exhibiting suspicious behavior that caught the attention of community members4.
“In late April, he was in the area of the New River Bible Church, where Bill is the pastor, and a community member noted his suspicious behavior,” explained Captain Lee4. Unfortunately, although Sheafe allegedly committed a burglary in the area before the murder, law enforcement arrived too late to apprehend him.
Throughout his confessions, Sheafe maintained a chilling clarity about his intentions. “I don’t hate Christians. I’m after the pastors that are leading them astray,” he insisted7. This distinction demonstrates how Sheafe compartmentalized his violent actions, viewing himself not as a murderer but as some sort of divine enforcer.
Sedona Escalation
After executing Pastor Schonemann, Sheafe didn’t pause to reflect on his actions. Instead, he immediately headed to Sedona to continue his killing spree. His following targets were two priests at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This sacred site welcomes nearly two million visitors annually.
Sheafe’s own words reveal how close he came to claiming more victims: “The day I was going to execute that priest, I tried getting into the back of his car. There was like a little lady on a bike that got in my way, and I was just going to get in the back seat and tell him to drive to his house,” he confessed7.
Despite this setback, Sheafe’s presence in Sedona caused significant disruption. On April 29, 2025, Sedona police responded to a report of a burglary in progress at 9:50 a.m. The homeowner had spotted Sheafe walking around her property via interior security cameras.
This led to a dramatic confrontation with law enforcement. “Sedona Patrol Commander Christopher Dowell told the publication that on the afternoon of April 29, an officer spotted Sheafe driving the truck and pursued him until he left the city limits,” reports indicated4. During this high-speed chase, Sheafe collided with another motorist, causing minor damage to that vehicle4. The pursuing officer ultimately abandoned the chase due to concerns for public safety.
Nevertheless, Sheafe’s flight was short-lived. After abandoning the stolen truck, he fled into the wilderness4. The following evening, Sedona police tracked him through a residential area. Finally, they apprehended him after a foot chase through rugged terrain in the Coconino National Forest1.
Interestingly, another disturbing incident occurred at the Chapel of the Holy Cross around this time involving someone named Timothy Larson. Dramatic footage captured Larson swinging a large metal bar inside the chapel, hitting objects, yelling, breaking a window, and spray painting the word ‘evil’ on church property2. This incident traumatized visitors, with Sedona Police Sgt. Michael Dominguez noted, “It’s a very peaceful place; people come from all over the country, all over the world, to visit this chapel “2.
Upon further investigation, authorities discovered the crucial link between Sheafe’s activities in Sedona and Pastor Schonemann’s murder. “MCSO and Sedona PD began to collaborate in this case, and Adam Sheafe was subsequently taken into custody,” Captain Lee explained. This cooperation between jurisdictions likely prevented further bloodshed in what Sheriff Jerry Sheridan called “probably one of the most bizarre cases I have ever seen in my 40 years with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office “1.
Once in custody, Sheafe remained defiant, even demanding the death penalty. “I want the death penalty because I want to show that you can’t kill God’s son. The whole story is B.S.,” he stated. When asked about forgiveness for his crimes, he replied with disturbing confidence: “Absolutely, he will forgive my sins. He is a forgiving God and loving God “6.
Sheafe: The Ticking Time Bomb
Behind the bloody façade of Operation First Commandment lies the disturbing profile of a man whose path to religious extremism was paved with decades of escalating criminal behavior. Adam Christopher Sheafe, at 51 years old, did not emerge as the embodiment of evil overnight. Indeed, his transformation into a self-proclaimed divine executioner followed a long, dark journey through America’s criminal justice system.
Criminal Past
The depths of Sheafe’s criminality extend far beyond his most recent atrocity. Court records reveal a man who methodically defrauded financial institutions out of staggering sums. On November 1, 2018, he received a 94-month prison sentence after being found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft3. [20] Through this elaborate scheme, Sheafe used stolen credit card numbers obtained from co-conspirators to process hundreds of transactions through separate merchant accounts at Bank of America and Compass Bank3.
Above all, the financial destruction left in Sheafe’s wake was substantial—these institutions suffered losses exceeding $500,0003. Yet astonishingly, after receiving his nearly eight-year sentence, Sheafe served merely 51 months before being released in February 2023, despite having an initially set release date of September 2026.
Before his financial crimes, Sheafe demonstrated violent tendencies toward women. In January 2013, Oro Valley police outside Tucson arrested him for domestic violence, aggravated assault, and kidnapping after he choked a woman and held her against her will4. This pattern of violence, coupled with his financial crimes, painted the portrait of a man increasingly detached from moral constraints.
Throughout his criminal career spanning back to 1999 (5), Sheafe accumulated convictions for possession of stolen property and burglary in Nevada, serving three years in prison for those offenses. With each release from incarceration, the intensity of his criminal behavior escalated—a warning sign overlooked by a system that repeatedly freed him to offend again.
Descent into Madness
The transformation of Adam Sheafe from a common criminal to a religious zealot occurred gradually yet with unmistakable signs. Most visibly, he branded himself with a tattoo reading “יהוה” (YHWH in Hebrew characters) on his neck4—the Hebrew name for God—signaling his growing religious obsession.
His father, Chris Sheafe, provided critical insights into his son’s deteriorating mental state. “Adam became extremely interested in the Old Testament. He read it extensively,” Chris explained. The father expressed concern about his son’s tattoo: “It means God. It means he’s directly related to God. And he wanted people to know that was his allegiance “5.
Significantly, this religious fixation coincided with substance abuse issues that, according to his father, originated from a motorcycle accident and subsequent prescription pain medication4. The combination proved catastrophic—a mind altered by substances and consumed by selective interpretations of ancient religious texts.
In light of these revelations, a recent conversation between father and son assumes chilling significance. Chris Sheafe reported speaking with Adam just weeks before the murder while Adam was already in custody on unrelated charges5. During this conversation, Adam allegedly assured his father he would explain everything to authorities: “He assured me that he was more than willing to explain to the authorities what he did, and he said he would just plead guilty and let the system handle it the way it needs to be dealt “5.
The distance between father and son had grown insurmountable over time. Chris Sheafs’s statement that they “have not talked about anything he did to get himself incarcerated “5 reveals the communication breakdown that might have otherwise provided warning signs of Adam’s deadly intentions.
Defiant Rants
From behind bars, Sheafe has shown not a hint of remorse—instead, his jailhouse interviews reveal a man convinced of his divine mission. “I want the death penalty because I want to show that you can’t kill God’s son. The whole story is B.S.,” he declared defiantly.
Even more disturbing, Sheafe maintains that his actions will be divinely forgiven: “Absolutely he will forgive my sins. He is a forgiving God and loving God “6. This twisted logic allows him to reconcile his violence with his religious beliefs, claiming: “It’s a commandment to rid Israel of evil “6.
Sheafe has explicitly requested swift justice, though not out of remorse: “Well, I want to be executed quickly so we can get this show on the road and show precisely what I’m trying to do… All you have to do is worship Jesus, and you will go to Heaven; your sins are forgiven. That’s not what God said “6. These statements reveal a man who views his own execution as part of a larger religious narrative—one where he positions himself as a martyr for his distorted interpretation of divine law.
The most concerning aspect of Sheafe’s continued defiance is its potential impact on impressionable minds. Pastor Bill’s family expressed alarm at Sheafe’s growing notoriety: “We are concerned about his increasing notoriety and possibly gaining a following. He has clearly stated his intentions to continue his mission “7. Their fears are grounded in Sheafe’s chilling statements that suggest his “Operation First Commandment” could inspire others to continue his crusade against Christian leaders.
At this juncture, the evidence paints a clear picture: Adam Christopher Sheafe’s path to becoming the architect of Operation First Commandment was neither sudden nor unpredictable. The warning signs were there—in his criminal record, his religious obsession, and his deteriorating relationship with his family. Yet somehow, a system designed to protect the innocent failed to recognize the ticking time bomb in their midst until Pastor Bill Schonemann paid the ultimate price.
The Globalist Cover-Up: Media and System Betrayal
Image Source: Evelyn S. Field Library – Raritan Valley Community College
Nearly two months after the horrific crucifixion of Pastor Bill Schonemann, a disturbing pattern has emerged in how this case is being handled by authorities and portrayed by the media. As questions mount, so does evidence that something is amiss in the official response to Operation First Commandment.
Media Spin
Major media outlets have downplayed mainly the religious targeting aspect of Sheafe’s crimes. Rather than focusing on the explicit anti-Christian motivation behind the murder—Sheafe’s own words that pastors were “leading the flock astray”—many outlets have instead framed this as an isolated incident of religious extremism. This subtle reframing shifts attention away from the systematic targeting of Christian leaders across multiple states.
The case represents a stark example of selective reporting. While the Ten Commandments themselves have long been controversial in public settings—with critics arguing they “violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment”—the mainstream coverage has noticeably avoided Sheafe’s explicit targeting of Christian leaders who preach the Trinity, a core Christian doctrine. [21]
Currently, this pattern of reporting minimizes the nationwide scope of Sheafe’s planned killing spree, seemingly more concerned with avoiding the appearance of an “anti-Christian” narrative than addressing the targeted nature of these planned attacks.
System Delay
As of June 25, 2025—nearly two months after Pastor Bill’s murder—the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has still not filed formal charges against Adam Christopher Sheafe. This extraordinary delay raises serious questions about the handling of what Sheriff Jerry Sheridan himself described as “probably one of the most bizarre cases I have ever seen in my 40 years with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.”
Authorities have offered minimal explanation for this unusual delay, stating only that “charges will happen once Sheafe is brought into this jurisdiction and booked into jail.” Meanwhile, the FBI has joined the investigation, presumably on account of the interstate nature of Sheafe’s planned killing spree.
At this point, the timeline reveals troubling gaps:
- April 27, 2025: Pastor Bill was murdered in his New River home
- April 29, 2025: Sheafe was apprehended after a chase in Sedona
- June 25, 2025: Still no formal murder charges filed
Randy Scheunemann, Pastor Bill’s son, expressed growing frustration: “We wanna understand what happened. We want to understand why as much as we can. And you know, we know that this is a long race.” His words reflect the family’s increasing concern about the slow pace of justice.
Furthermore, investigators have acknowledged the crime was “religiously motivated.” Yet, the lack of urgency in prosecution stands in stark contrast to the brutal nature of the crime and Sheafe’s own confessions.
Cult Threat
Perhaps most alarming, Pastor Bill’s family has raised serious concerns about Sheafe’s growing notoriety through his jailhouse interviews and public statements. With his explicit confession that he had targeted 14 pastors across 10 states as part of “Operation First Commandment,” there is a legitimate fear that Sheafe’s twisted religious ideology could inspire copycats.
In conjunction with these concerns, investigators have noted something unusual about this case: “The murder was described as especially bizarre and heinous, but detectives never announced there was a killer on the loose.” This peculiar handling raises questions about whether authorities fully grasped the scope of Sheafe’s plans from the beginning.
Henceforth, the risk of Sheafe inspiring others remains a pressing concern. His jailhouse declarations—including demands for the death penalty and claims that “God will forgive my sins because he is a loving God”—continue to spread through media reports, potentially reaching those susceptible to his twisted interpretation of religious texts.
Surprisingly, despite Sheafe’s full confession to the FBI and his stated desire to plead guilty immediately, the justice system appears to be moving at an unusually measured pace. “I told the FBI agent, ‘Look, I want the death sentence. I’ll plead guilty right now, on the spot… And I want the execution date right now,’” Sheafe reported, saying, yet no such expedited process has materialized.
For the time being, as Sheafe remains in custody without formal murder charges, his message continues to reach the public through various media channels, with minimal restrictions on his communication—a situation Pastor Bill’s family finds increasingly concerning as they await justice for their beloved “truck-building saint” who was targeted simply for preaching his faith.
The Community Mourns: A Saint Under Siege
The grief in New River runs deeper than most outsiders can comprehend. As the small Arizona community grapples with Pastor Bill Schonemann’s brutal murder, residents speak of a void that cannot be filled.
New River’s Grief
“This man was genuinely an angel among us,” Raquel Calderon told reporters, her voice breaking. “I lived out of my car when I first came here, and they had this home available, and they offered it to me so I could get my daughter living with me “15. Pastor Bill’s mechanic shop served as more than a business—it became a lifeline for struggling families. For over 40 years, his passion for vintage cars translated into practical help for those without means.
Mike Anders, who lived next to Pastor Bill for 12 years, expressed the community’s shock: “Everybody is just until we know what’s going on… we don’t know who could do this to him “9.
Nationwide Fear
The ripple effects of Operation First Commandment have reached churches across the United States. Formerly open sanctuaries now implement security protocols previously unthinkable. “We locked our doors last night. It’s just something that we are just not used to doing,” Anders admitted9. From Arizona to New York, congregations have adopted similar measures, fearing they might be next on Sheafe’s hit list.
Family’s Plea
Randy Scheunemann, Pastor Bill’s son, now navigates a world without his father’s wisdom. “We’ve gotten home now and getting used to not making those phone calls on my way home from work to talk to him on that drive, and all of those things “9. Regarding the investigation, Randy expressed frustration with authorities: “It’s disappointing that, over the four big announcements, including this press conference tomorrow, we haven’t heard anything from detectives “8.
Yet amidst his grief, Randy acknowledges what his father would have wanted. “Whether it’s the car guys or the old truck shop that he ran for 40-some years or the church or the neighbors there or the community up here in Montana, Everybody’s been that outpouring of support “9. “He wasn’t much for being the center of attention, but he would be touched to see how many people he impacted “9.
Conclusion: A Call to Arms The Battle for Truth Continues: Evil Unchecked
“Operation First Commandment” stands as undeniable evidence of a direct satanic assault on Christian leadership across America. Undoubtedly, Adam Christopher Sheafe’s brutal crucifixion of Pastor Bill Schonemann represents merely the opening salvo in what could have become the deadliest targeted attack on Christian leaders in modern American history. Nevertheless, the most chilling aspect remains not just the murder itself but the systemic failure to properly acknowledge its true nature.
First and foremost, we must recognize the spiritual warfare unfolding before our eyes. Sheafe’s meticulously planned crusade against 14 pastors across 10 states wasn’t random violence – indeed, it was a calculated strike against Christianity itself. His targeting of religious leaders who preach the Trinity doctrine reveals the deeply anti-Christian motivation behind “Operation First Commandment.” Meanwhile, mainstream media outlets continue downplaying this attack on faith, desperately avoiding any narrative that might acknowledge the growing threat against Christian leaders.
Above all, Pastor Bill’s martyrdom demands our attention. This “truck-building saint” dedicated his life to serving others, fixing vehicles for those in need, and shepherding his congregation with genuine compassion. Though his hands now rest still, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. [22] Consequently, we find ourselves at a crossroads – will we allow his sacrifice to fade into obscurity, or will we demand the truth about the forces that targeted him?
Furthermore, the inexplicable delay in charging Sheafe raises alarming questions. Why, almost two months after Pastor Bill’s murder, has the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office still filed no formal charges despite Sheafe’s full confession? Such hesitation suggests forces beyond our understanding may be at work, manipulating the system to minimize the significance of this anti-Christian attack.
Therefore, as churches across America implement unprecedented security measures, we must ask ourselves: Who benefits from the silence surrounding this case? Accordingly, our duty remains clear – we must spread awareness of “Operation First Commandment” and demand transparency from authorities. Pastor Bill’s blood cries out for justice. At the same time, Sheafe’s remaining targets deserve protection from those who might continue his unholy mission.
The crown of thorns placed on Pastor Bill’s head serves as a stark reminder – that this battle transcends the physical realm. Rather than accepting comfortable lies, we must embrace uncomfortable truths. Christian leaders across America face growing threats, yet the system designed to protect them appears reluctant to acknowledge the spiritual dimension of these attacks.
Last but not least, we stand at the precipice of a crucial moment in this unfolding story. Unless we demand accountability, Operation First Commandment risks becoming just another forgotten headline. Hence, our vigilance must not waver. The battle for truth continues, and Pastor Bill’s legacy depends on our unwillingness to accept anything less than full disclosure about the dark forces that targeted him and continue to threaten Christian leadership across America.
FAQs
Q1. What was Operation First Commandment?
Operation First Commandment was a planned killing spree targeting Christian leaders across multiple states, allegedly orchestrated by Adam Christopher Sheafe. The plan involved murdering and crucifying pastors who preached Christian doctrines Sheafe disagreed with.
Q2. Who was Pastor Bill Schonemann?
Pastor Bill Scheunemann was a beloved community leader in New River, Arizona, known for his charitable work and for operating a mechanic shop where he helped those in need. He was the first victim of Operation First Commandment, found murdered in his home.
Q3. How many targets did Sheafe allegedly plan to attack?
According to Sheafe’s confession, he planned to target a total of 14 religious leaders across 10 different states as part of Operation First Commandment.
Q4. What was Sheafe’s claimed motive for the attacks?
Sheafe claimed his actions were motivated by religion, stating that he targeted pastors who were “leading the flock astray” by preaching doctrines he believed contradicted Old Testament teachings.
Q5. How has this incident affected churches across America?
The incident has led to increased security measures in churches nationwide. [23] Many congregations that previously left their doors open have begun implementing stricter safety protocols out of fear of similar attacks.
References
[1] – https://www.christianpost.com/news/man-who-murdered-pastor-bill-planned-to-kill-other-pastors.html
[3] – https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/tucson-resident-sentenced-94-months-prison-role-bank-fraud-scheme
[8] – https://www.azfamily.com/2025/06/12/son-murdered-new-river-pastor-says-hes-disappointed-with-mcso/
[9] – https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/suspect-murder-new-river-pastor-custody-elsewhere-mcso
[15] – https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/new-river-pastor-murder-community-relieved-after-suspects-arrest
[18] – https://x.com/realDaveReilly/status/1937959943346532538
[20] – Jury Convicts Loan Officer of Participating in a Large-Scale Mortgage Fraud Scheme | Mortgage Fraud Blog. http://www.mortgagefraudblog.com/jury-convicts-loan-officer-of-participating-in-a-large-scale-mortgage-fraud-scheme/
[21] – Talbot, S. (2006). Spiritual Genocide: The Denial of American Indian Religious Freedom, from Conquest to 1934. Wíčazo Ša Review. https://doi.org/10.1353/wic.2006.0024
[22] – Pavone, P., Corsello, G., & Ruggieri, M. (2024). A talented giant: A tribute to the memory of John M. Opitz. The Italian Journal of Pediatrics/Italian Journal of Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-024-01711-z
[23] – Bengaluru Blast: Hyderabad On High Alert. https://hnknews.com/bengaluru-blast-hyderabad-on-high-alert/
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