AZ - Disturbing details revealed in New River Pastor Bill Schonemann's homicide case - 28 April 2025

[Knox]

Law enforcement has been tight-lipped since the initial call on Monday, April 28, but the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office confirms the death of the pastor, Bill Schonemann -76, was a homicide.

What we know:
Multiple sources say he was found on the bed with his arms spread out and hands pinned to the wall. He also appeared to have significant injuries.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office isn't saying much, and will not confirm if a suspect is in custody, or reveal any official cause of death or a motive.

Disturbing details revealed in New River pastor's homicide case

We have new details about the murder of a New River pastor, and we want to warn you that these details are disturbing.

www.fox10phoenix.com

 

[Knox]

Neighbors tell ABC15 they knew the man as Pastor Bill, who led service at New River Bible Chapel for decades.

People that knew Pastor Bill described him as a “true pastor” and a loving father. Friends and congregation members told us he was a veteran who loved to work on cars and even planes.

“My heart just dropped,” said former congregation member Zane Sharpe. “It dropped to my core. Like what a sweet guy, a pastor too. Everyone holds pastors in high esteem, but this guy truly lived what he spoke.”

Medical Examiner: Death of New River pastor ruled a homicide

At about 7:30 p.m. Monday, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a home located near 20th Street and Calvary Road for reports of a deceased elderly man.

www.abc15.com

 

[Dotta]

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[Ssschu]

Pinning his hands up like Jesus on the cross in his bed is deeply personal and is meant to make a statement, IMO. This wasn't a random robbery/homicide. His family says no one has beef with him but someone felt wronged by him. Again, IMO.

 

[vls12345]

Family and friends honor New River pastor's "Billbuilt" legacy

For decades, a group of car enthusiasts have been meeting on the west side of Phoenix. But at the last two, the group has missed one of their usuals, 76-year-old William 'Bill' Schonemann.

www.abc15.com

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has been tight-lipped as they investigate the homicide, saying there are "specific and unique" circumstances they can’t discuss. ABC15 reached out to MCSO on Friday, but they said there were no updates

 

[vls12345]

Death of beloved New River resident 'Pastor Bill' now a homicide, officials say

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said foul play could be involved based on observations at the scene, and now it's confirmed.

www.azcentral.com

 

[vls12345]

Community On Edge After Murder Of New River Pastor - AZ FREE NEWS

By Matthew Holloway | Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann of the New River Bible Chapel in New River, AZ, was found dead inside his home last week according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office. The 76-year-old pastor was found dead with serious injuries lying in his own bed. The pastor...

azfreenews.com

 

[vls12345]

Beloved Pastor Found Slain with Hands Pinned to Wall, Body Posed: 'Was It Someone He Knew?'

William Schonemann was found dead in his home last month

people.com

 

[LadyL]

wow this is shocking
I wonder if he had any recent communications the police are looking at

 

[FromGermany1]

Marking ....

 

[Knox]

Shocking Crucifixion Murder of Beloved "Pastor Bill", Body Staged!

Podcast Episode · Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan · 05/14/2025 · 36m

podcasts.apple.com

No recent update on Bill's murder in MSM.

 

[Ssschu]

MCSO officials have confirmed there is a person of interest in the case and there is no further threat to the community. Deputies would not release the name of that person nor say whether that person is in jail.

New developments in 'Pastor Bill' murder investigation

Investigators have identified a "person of interest" in the murder of New River pastor, according to a spokesman for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

www.abc15.com

 

[Knox]

I wonder why they will not reveal whether an arrest has been made?

 

[vls12345]

I wonder why they will not reveal whether an arrest has been made?

I wonder if the person of interest is already incarcerated for a different crime? Or possibly deceased?

 

[Ontario Mom]

I wonder if the person of interest is already incarcerated for a different crime? Or possibly deceased?

If they're assuring the public the POI isn't a threat, he (or she) is most likely either dead or in jail.

 

[tlcya]

re POI and no threat to the public, have there been any recent suicides noted in the area? Could be the POI is no longer living.

 

[Knox]

I wonder if the person of interest is already incarcerated for a different crime? Or possibly deceased?

Likely so, but Bill was murdered. So some conclusion should be announced. I guess they must still be investigating?

 

[FromGermany1]

https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/death-william-pastor-bill-schonemann-leaves-void-red-devils-hot-rod-club-members-share-memories?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=68166ebaa41e2f0001b106ef&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawKk8LZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBUQ3NwOUtCbUlPSjhKS1BHAR5zfDmtTlTNpKCUpAF3MPf3Jv0L5iiwEJ8XvG2cMSUJ1s12y9J_KHO9gOurdw_aem_ggcrxxxeVPKL9r1P9Of4Rw

 

[Simply Caustic]

Reminds me of the 2009 case of Rev. Carol Daniels in Anadarko. Quick synopsis of injuries:
“According to the autopsy report, law enforcement found the pastor with her body mutilated, stabbed multiple times, nearly decapitated, hair set on fire, and her body, nude and posed as if on a cross. Daniels’ body was found inside the church.”

Here is the WS thread

 

[legomonster]

Hey all! I was researching cases previously near Evan Clark and Pandora Kjolsrud, and saw two unsolved and one was William Schonemann. Looks like there was a recent major development in the case of William Schonemann.

'The suspect, who authorities are not ready to name, is currently in the custody of another law enforcement agency on unrelated charges, the Sheriff's Office said Friday. Officials have not disclosed whether that agency is located in the Valley, elsewhere in Arizona, or another state.'

Friends and family react as detectives identify suspect connected to New River pastor’s murder