A beloved Arizona pastor was found deceased in his bed with his arms outstretched and hands pinned to a wall in a disturbingly grim scene, according to authorities.
The body of Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann, 76, was discovered at his New River home on April 28 after a 911 call was made to the local sheriff’s office, Fox10 reported.
While investigators have remained tight-lipped about the cause of death, law enforcement sources indicated that the pastor appeared to have sustained severe injuries.
Authorities have not revealed whether they have a suspect or motive in the brutal killing.
“Based on observations at the scene, it seemed there may have been foul play,” said Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Will Jinks.
“MCSO is actively working the case. There are specific and unique circumstances that we cannot discuss at this time to maintain the integrity of the investigation.”
Although authorities assured there was no threat to the community, Pastor Schonemann’s murder has caused fear among churchgoers and local residents.
“We locked our doors last night. It’s just something we’re not used to doing. Everyone is just on edge, waiting to know what happened. We don’t know if it was a family member, or who could have done this to him,” said his neighbor, Mike Anders.
The death of Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann sent shockwaves through the community.
“Honestly, I was shocked because New River is so small. I leave my keys in my vehicles, don’t lock my door, and do things like that,” local resident Emily Brean shared. “Why would someone murder a pastor or a minister? For what reason?”
Meanwhile, Pastor Schonemann’s son, Randall Schonemann, emphasized that his father had no enemies and was a well-respected figure in the close-knit community.
He had served as the leader of the New River Bible Chapel for about 25 years.
“Our dad had such a positive impact on people wherever he went,” Randall said in a statement.
“We will miss his loving guidance and patience. The joy he found in simply walking around an airport, getting his steps in. The creativity behind all the machines he built. There are never enough words to express it all or to capture it as perfectly as we’d like. Simply put, he is missed.”
