Crucifixion
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This episode of Murder in the Hudson Valley dives into the chilling case of Adam Scheefe, a 51-year-old man who confessed to the brutal crucifixion of Pastor Bill Shoneman in New River, Arizona, on April 28, 2025. The crime scene, described as one of the most horrific in recent memory, involved the pastor being nailed to his bedroom wall with his hands spread wide, a crown of thorns on his head, and a leather tag with the name 'Benjamin' hanging from his ear—part of Scheefe’s religiously motivated plan to execute 14 pastors he deemed heretics. Scheefe claimed divine inspiration, citing a vision in prison nine years prior and believing he was carrying out God’s will by eliminating those who preached that Jesus was God’s son. He had a detailed hit list spanning multiple states and was arrested after a failed attempt to kill two more pastors in Sedona. Despite his calm demeanor during interviews, his sudden outburst—threatening to crucify anyone who challenged his belief in God as the only divine figure—revealed the terrifying depth of his delusion. The episode explores the psychological profile of a man who sees himself not as a monster but as a saint, and the ethical dilemma of whether such a figure should be fast-tracked to execution or kept imprisoned for life.
Adam Scheefe believed he was divinely commanded to execute pastors who preached Jesus as God’s son, viewing himself as a holy executioner, not a murderer.
The crucifixion was meticulously planned: he made his own crown of thorns, used a rifle with a 'Phoenix Benjamin' tag as a sign from God, and intended to kill 14 pastors across the U.S.
Scheefe voluntarily confessed, pleaded guilty, and demanded a quick trial and death penalty—indicating a desire for martyrdom and a belief that God would protect him from execution.
His calm, rational demeanor during interviews contrasted sharply with sudden, violent outbursts, revealing a deeply disturbed individual who sees himself as a righteous figure in a spiritual war.
The case raises urgent questions about mental health, religious extremism, and the justice system’s response to self-confessed, ideologically driven killers.
The Case Begins: A Pastor's Brutal Death
“It was one of the most bizarre cases he had ever seen in 40 years.”
The Crucifixion: A Religious Horror
“His hands had been spread out to his sides and nailed to the wall. A crown of thorns was placed on his head.”
The Confession: A Man Who Sees Himself as a Saint
“I'm not interested in executing anyone but pastors leading flocks astray.”
The Interview: A Calm Man with a Violent Mind
“If you replace who my daddy is, I'm going to nail you to the effing wall.”
The Aftermath: Justice, Public Outcry, and the Death Penalty Debate
The episode concludes with reflections on Scheefe’s demand for a quick trial and death penalty, his public glorification of his crime, and the ethical debate over whether he should be executed. The hosts express horror at his worldview and the chilling possibility that others may share his delusion, calling for vigilance against religious extremism.
“If you replace who my daddy is, I'm going to nail you to the effing wall.”
“I see myself as more like a saint.”
“His hands had been spread out to his sides and nailed to the wall. A crown of thorns was placed on his head.”
Hosts
Guests
Adam Scheefe
person
Pastor Bill Shoneman
person
Breonna Whitney
person
New River, Arizona
place
HudsonRiverRadio.com
media
Phoenix
place
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan
person
Sedona
place
FBI Retired Agent Martin Helmer
person
New River Church
organization
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