A 76-year-old pastor from Arizona was found dead in his New River home, leaving the community in shock.
Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann’s body was discovered in a concerning state on April 28 after the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call. Investigators found his body positioned with arms spread on his bed and hands pinned to the wall, indicating severe injuries.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined Schonemann’s death to be a homicide. However, the authorities have not released the cause of death or whether any suspects or motives have been identified.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Will Jinks stated, “Based on observations at the scene, it appeared there may have been foul play. MCSO is actively working the case. There are specific and unique circumstances to this case that we are not at liberty to discuss to ensure we keep the integrity of the investigation.”
Even with law enforcement’s assurance of no ongoing threat to the community, residents of New River, Arizona, remain uneasy due to the nature of the crime.
Local resident Mike Anders expressed his discomfort, noting that he and others have started locking their doors, which is atypical for the area. Anders mentioned uncertainty among the residents about whether the assailant might have been someone the pastor knew.
Emily Brean, another resident, voiced her surprise at the violence, describing New River as a small and safe community where many people don’t lock their doors or even remove keys from their vehicles. Brean questioned the motive behind targeting a religious leader.
Schonemann had been the pastor of New River Bible Chapel for around 25 years and was well-regarded locally. Apart from his religious duties, he was known for his interest in vehicles, including cars, trucks, and planes.
Schonemann’s wife passed away in 2022, after nearly 49 years of marriage. Following her death, he dedicated more time to the church, further endearing himself to the community in recent years, according to his son, Randall Schonemann. Crystal Schonemann, Randall’s wife, noted his sociable nature and eagerness to converse with others.
He was also a member of the Red Devil’s Hot Rod Club, contributing his skills in building and repairing classic cars and motorcycles. Club members remember him for both his technical expertise and his compassionate demeanor.
Randall defended his father’s character, affirming that the pastor had no conflicts with anyone and had positively impacted many lives.
Public records show Schonemann was a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam before his years of service to the New River community.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and has called for anyone with information about Schonemann’s death to contact them.
Authorities maintain the incident appears isolated with no ongoing threat to the public, yet the absence of a named suspect or clear motive adds to residents’ unease.
New River is an unincorporated area in northern Maricopa County, Arizona, north of Phoenix. Established in the 1960s, it was named after the seasonal wash flowing through it. This desert locale, located at the base of Daisy Mountain, retains its rural character despite its proximity to the expanding Phoenix metro area.
The community values its remote atmosphere, attracting residents seeking larger lots and a rural lifestyle.
New River continues to draw those looking to escape urban life while remaining within commuting distance to Phoenix. The blend of desert landscapes, spacious properties, and access to city amenities makes it unique within Arizona’s diverse environment.