Killing in the name of Yahweh

Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to the murder of 76-year-old Arizona pastor Bill Schonemann in what he described as “Operation First Commandment,” a planned campaign to execute Christian leaders across multiple states. In a disturbing jailhouse interview, Sheafe admitted to targeting up to 14 pastors and priests in 10 states, showing no remorse and stating outright, “Will I apologize? Absolutely not.” He claimed the murder was a religious duty, describing how he placed a crown of thorns on the pastor’s head before killing him. Authorities are deeply concerned given Sheafe’s extensive criminal history and the premeditated nature of the crime. Though he is currently held on burglary charges, murder and possibly federal hate-crime charges are expected to follow. The case is under active investigation by local authorities and the FBI, with prosecutors preparing for what could become a nationally significant trial.