Arizona Man Asks for Death Penalty After Accused of Pastor’s Murder
An Arizona man, accused of killing a pastor and subjecting him to a horrific scene, has requested the death penalty, claiming it would allow everyone to “get on with life.”
According to local reports, his lawyer, Adam Sieff, urged a judge last week to accept a guilty plea to expedite the case, stating the legal process is merely “prolonging things.”
The man, named Thief, is alleged to have murdered Pastor William Schoneman of New River Bible Chapel in April 2025, dismembering his body afterward. Authorities discovered Schoeneman in bed with his arms spread out and his hands affixed to the wall.
Thief had admitted to the act and has not claimed innocence at any point.
Pastor Murder Suspect Claims to Target More
In court, Thief expressed, “From day one, I’ve maintained that I did this. I’m not disputing anything.” He lamented that his right to a speedy trial transformed from five months into nearly two and a half years, emphasizing the need for closure for himself and the victim’s family.
His request for the death penalty aligns with previous statements where he mentioned wanting to be executed immediately. “Please put me on death row and set an execution date right now,” he had told a local news outlet. “That’s what the victims want, their families want, and it’s what I want.” It’s a sentiment that, while bleak, seems to reflect his desire to conclude the painful process.
Last year, Thief claimed that the murder of the 76-year-old pastor was part of a broader initiative he called “Operation First Commandment,” which aimed at targeting several Christian leaders across the nation. He believed that these pastors were misleading their followers. His father, Chris Sieff, mentioned that his son was deeply interested in biblical texts and had even tattooed a symbol of God on his neck.
According to him, “Adam became very interested in the Old Testament. He read it thoroughly, and part of that process became his obsession.” He remarked, somewhat proud, about Adam’s tattoo symbolizing a direct relationship with God.
While claiming to be mentally stable, Thief had first tried to enter a “no contest” plea, but that was contested by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Following that, he proposed a guilty plea, yet the judge indicated that a hearing must first confirm that his plea would be voluntary.
Pastor Found Dead with Disturbing Circumstances
Thief noted the brutal nature of the crime, declaring, “It is an undisputed fact that the victim was over 70 years old, and the crime was heinous in nature.” He emphasized that he intended for it to be heinous, presenting two aggravating factors without any mitigating ones. “So why do we have to drag this out so long? I’m not contesting anything.”
Moreover, he mentioned that he had fully confessed to the FBI even before formal charges were brought against him. This confession, he claimed, had also been made during discussions with multiple media platforms.
