A beloved 76-year-old Vietnam veteran and pastor was discovered murdered in his New River home with his arms spread out and hands pinned to the wall, leaving a tight-knit Arizona community shaken and searching for answers.
At a Glance
- William “Pastor Bill” Schonemann, 76, was found dead in his New River home on April 28, with the medical examiner officially ruling his death a homicide
- The victim was discovered with his arms spread out and hands pinned to the wall, suffering significant injuries
- Schonemann was a Vietnam War Navy veteran who served at New River Bible Chapel for 25 years and was a respected member of the Red Devil’s Hot Rod Club
- The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating with no current suspects or motive, but assures there is no threat to the larger community
- Neighbors and community members report feeling uneasy and taking extra security precautions while authorities seek information from the public
Gruesome Discovery Shocks Peaceful Community
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office discovered the body of William “Pastor Bill” Schonemann during a wellness check at his New River home around 7:30 p.m. on April 28. Deputies immediately recognized signs of foul play at the scene. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has since confirmed the 76-year-old’s death was a homicide. According to reports, Schonemann was found with his arms spread out and hands pinned to the wall, bearing significant injuries that authorities have not fully disclosed to the public.
Neighbors reported seeing substantial police activity at the residence. One neighbor, clearly disturbed by what was discovered inside the home, reportedly told others, “You didn’t see what I saw in there.” Another resident, Steve Dopke, shared that when he attempted to gather information, authorities would only confirm the situation was “suspicious.” The sheriff’s office has stated there are “unique circumstances” surrounding the case while providing few details about potential suspects or motives.
A Life of Service and Faith
Schonemann’s life journey took him from military service to spiritual leadership. A Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, he later turned to faith and dedicated 25 years to ministering at New River Bible Chapel. Beyond his pastoral duties, Schonemann was deeply involved in the community, particularly as a respected member of the Red Devil’s Hot Rod Club, where his mechanical talents and generous spirit made him a beloved figure.
“I met him in ’86. His son was eight years old and we came out to fly radio-controlled airplanes. He wanted to learn with his son and I met him and I’ve known him ever since,” said Dennis Roeper, a longtime friend. “It’s been a tough week because it just keeps getting worse. So I wish he did pass away in his sleep. It’d be hard but easier.”
Community in Mourning Takes Extra Precautions
The violent nature of Schonemann’s death has created a sense of unease throughout the typically peaceful New River community. Despite the sheriff’s office stating there is no broader threat to residents, many are taking additional security measures. Mike Anders, a local resident, expressed the community’s collective anxiety: “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.”
Schonemann was known for his mechanical ingenuity, creating rather than buying vehicles. Fellow club member Ken Fox reminisced, “I met him here. Every Friday night we all come here and he brings his ‘Bill-built’ van or truck and everything.” His expertise extended beyond cars to aircraft, with many remembering his participation in air shows and rebuilding projects that showcased his technical skills.
A Spiritual Mentor Remembered
Beyond his mechanical talents, Schonemann’s spiritual guidance touched many lives in the community. Richard Kordylas shared a personal memory of the pastor’s impact: “A couple years ago I was going through a really hard time and Bill invited me up again to the church. So I went up there and I told him what was going on and he got me aside and put his hands on my head and kind of evoked the Holy Spirit to help me through this and forgive me and that was cool.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRxbpItUUuE
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and has requested that anyone with information contact them immediately. Schonemann’s autopsy was scheduled for May 2, though results have not yet been made public. As the community waits for answers, they remain united in grief while celebrating the life of a man who exemplified faith, service, and generosity throughout his 76 years.
