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Inset: William “Bill” Schonemann (Bobby and Lois Jones/Facebook). Background: The home of William Schonemann, who was known as “Pastor Bill” (AZFamily/YouTube).
A pastor from Arizona known for having a “positive impact on people everywhere he went” was found dead inside of his home — his arms spread out and hands pinned to a wall, according to a report — leading cops to suspect foul play.
Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann, 76, of New River, was found dead Monday, April 28, at his residence on the 1900 block of Calvary Road, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Police tell Law&Crime that deputies responded to his home at around 7:31 p.m. that night and located “Pastor Bill,” as he’s known locally, inside of his bedroom.
“Based on observations at the scene, it appeared there may have been foul play,” said Deputy Will Jinks in a statement Monday, May 5.
“MCSO is actively working the case,” he told Law&Crime. “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. We hope to have an update very soon.”
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Multiple sources told local Fox affiliate KSAZ that Schonemann suffered significant injuries and was found with his arms spread out on his bed and his hands pinned to a wall. Police officials have said that they believe his death was an “isolated incident,” KSAZ and AZFamily reports. The medical examiner has ruled it a homicide.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Schonemann’s loved ones as we continue our efforts to bring justice in this case,” MCSO Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez told KSAZ.
Neighbors, relatives and friends who knew Schonemann said he was a friendly pastor who lived in an area where people often leave their doors unlocked on account of feeling so safe, the residents say.
“Why are you gonna murder a pastor or a minister?” asked New River resident Emily Brean, while speaking to KSAZ. “You know, for what?”
New River is an unincorporated area around 40 miles north of Phoenix.
Eric Archer, a friend of Schonemann’s, told AZFamily: “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.”
Schonemann’s son, Randall Schonemann, told local outlets that his father didn’t have problems with people and tried to get along with everyone he met.
“Our dad had such a positive impact on people everywhere he went,” Randall Schonemann 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.”
The sheriff’s office has asked that anyone with information related to Schonemann’s death or the homicide investigation contact the MCSO at 602-876-TIPS.
