Cops hunt killer in bizarre crucifixion murder of Arizona preacher
'Honestly, I was shocked because New River is so small. It's quaint. I leave my keys in my vehicles, don’t lock my door'
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The preacher was lying dead on his bed.
His arms were spread out, and his hands were pinned to the wall in a faux crucifixion that sickened even veteran homicide detectives.
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Cops hunt killer in bizarre crucifixion murder of Arizona preacher Back to video
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Now, Arizona investigators are hunting the killer of Rev. Bill Schonemann, 76, whose mutilated body was discovered around 7:30 p.m. on April 28. The victim reportedly had “significant injuries.”
“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,” the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office told the Daily Mail.
Tight-lipped cops have so far not indicated whether they have any suspects or persons of interest. Nor have they revealed an official cause of death, although it has been classified as a homicide.
Schonemann — a Vietnam War veteran — had been a preacher at the New River Bible Chapel for more than 25 years. New River is a town of about 17,000 residents about 60 km north of Phoenix.
Local police have told the community there is no threat. They described Schonemann’s murder as an “isolated incident.”
But despite cops’ assurances, the lack of information about the slaying has led to widespread speculation, rumours and gossip in the tiny town.
On Schonemann’s property, there are a slew of unfinished and partially built vehicles and parts laying around the yard.
Neighbour Mike Anders said as the police presence continued at Schonemann’s for more than 10 hours, he knew “something bad” had happened.
“We locked our doors last night, which is something that we are not used to doing,” Anders told Fox 10. “We don’t know if it was a family member. We don’t know who could do this to him.”
Neighbour Emily Brean added: “Honestly, I was shocked because New River is so small. It’s quaint. I leave my keys in my vehicles, don’t lock my door. Why are you gonna murder a pastor or a minister? You know, for what?”
Residents of New River are now on a knife’s edge.
Neighbours said Schonemann was a friendly man who waved at passersby and enjoyed rebuilding old trucks. He was known as “Pastor Bill” in New River.
His son Randall wouldn’t comment on the investigation, but told AZ Central his father had attended the New River Bible Chapel before becoming pastor.
The dead man served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. When he returned from the killing fields of Southeast Asia, he found religion, his son said.
His wife of 49 years died in 2022, and Schonemann doubled down on his church work.
Friend Eric Archer told AZ Family: “I’m just wondering, was it some random person? Was it someone he knows? I’m just curious what happened and why. I just can’t imagine someone hurting Bill, in any matter for any reason.”
@HunterTOSun
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