Pastor William ‘Bill’ Schonemann, 76, was found dead inside his home on April 28 in a truly sickening scene, with his arms gruesomely nailed to the walls of his bedroom
A church leader was found dead in his bed with his arms outstretched and pinned to the wall, authorities revealed.
Pastor William ‘Bill’ Schonemann, 76, was discovered inside his home on April 28, in a truly sickening scene, having suffered significant injuries in the sadistic killing.
Police were called to the pastor’s house at about 7.30pm on Monday last week amid concerns for Bill’s welfare. Deputies at the scene wouldn’t divulge any information around the death, but Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) described the incident as “complicated”.
More disturbing revelations have since come to light, including the gruesome manner in which the pastor was murdered.
He is believed to have been found with horrific injuries sitting up in bed, with both of his arms outstretched and nailed to a wall at his home in New River, Arizona.
MCSO’s Deputy Will Jinks said: “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.”
Police said there was no threat to the wider community in New River – but locals have been left stunned by the horrific attack in their beloved community leader.
Bill’s neighbour, Mike Anders, told Fox10: “I mean, we locked our doors last night. It’s just something that we are just not used to doing. Everybody is just… until we know what’s going on, we don’t know if it was a family member, or, we don’t know what, who could do this to him.”
Local Emily Brean added: “Honestly, I was shocked because New River is so small. … I leave my keys in my vehicles, don’t lock my door and things like that. Why are you gonna murder a pastor or a minister? You know, for what?”
Neighbour Carol Matthews was worried that a killer could be on the loose inside the village. “My reaction is really, horror, because it sounds so terrible,” she said.
“He’s a minister, and it’s close to where we live. Whenever there is a potential murderer running around, I’m not too comfortable, but I can understand why they wouldn’t share. I think they will find him, but there is a reason why this person did it, and that’s what they need to find out.”
Meanwhile, Bill’s son Randall shared an emotional tribute his father last week. He will be missed not only by the family, but by the community as a whole, he said.
“Our dad had such a positive impact on people everywhere he went,” Randall said in a statement. “We will miss the loving guidance and patience. The happiness he showed just getting to walk around an airport, getting his steps in. The creativity of all machines he built.
“There are never enough words to say it all or to say it as well as a person would like. Simply, he is missed.”