Arizona Pastor Found Dead in His Home, Hands Pinned to Wall in Shocking Homicide

A small desert community is reeling after the tragic and mysterious death of Pastor Bill Schonemann, a longtime spiritual leader in New River, Arizona, whose death has officially been ruled a homicide.

Pastor Schonemann, 76, who led the New River Bible Chapel, was discovered in his home on April 28 under disturbing circumstances that have shaken the town. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, authorities say the pastor was found lying in bed, his arms spread wide and pinned to the wall.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death was a homicide, though many details remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Police have not revealed how he died, only noting there are “unique, specific circumstances” surrounding the case.

“We Don’t Know Who Could Do This”

Neighbors say the gruesome discovery has left them stunned. Mike Anders, who lives nearby, said the entire community is rattled and anxious. “We locked our doors last night — we just don’t do that here,” he told FOX 10. “Until we know what’s going on, we don’t know if it was someone close to him or a stranger. It’s hard to even imagine who could do this to him.”

Schonemann was well-known and respected in New River, a tight-knit town north of Phoenix. His church had long been a local anchor for spiritual support, family events, and charity outreach. His death has sent a ripple of fear through the community.

Despite the violent nature of the crime, officials with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have stated that there is currently no active threat to the community. Still, they have provided few details, keeping much of the case under wraps.

A Crime That Doesn’t Make Sense

The bizarre and ritualistic nature of the pastor’s death has many people grasping for answers. The exact method of how Schonemann’s hands were pinned and other specifics have not yet been made public. Authorities have also not announced any suspects, arrests, or possible motives.

Autopsy records have not been released, and the Medical Examiner’s Office declined to comment further when asked. The MCSO has similarly withheld information, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.

Pastor Schonemann’s family has not made a public statement, though his brother Randall released a photo of him flying in an antique airplane — a nod to his late brother’s adventurous spirit and love of life.

Still No Answers

As residents wait for answers, many are left to wonder what could have led to such a horrific act. Was this the result of a personal vendetta? Was it someone the pastor knew and trusted? Those are just some of the questions haunting New River right now.

For now, all the community can do is wait — and pray.

Officials continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, local churches and neighbors are coming together to honor the legacy of a man who many say gave everything he had to his town and congregation.

Bill Schonemann may be gone, but the shock of his death is just beginning to settle in — and it’s clear his memory won’t soon fade from the people of New River.