Beloved Arizona pastor found dead in bed with his arms spread out, hands pinned to a wall in disturbing scene

New York Post - May 6th, 2025
Open on New York Post

The tragic and unsettling death of Pastor William 'Bill' Schonemann, 76, has left the New River community in shock. Found dead in his home on April 28, with his arms spread and hands pinned, the scene was described as disturbingly sick by authorities. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which received an emergency call that led to the discovery, has classified the death as a homicide. However, they have not disclosed any suspects or motives, maintaining that there is no threat to the community. The incident has nonetheless sparked fear among locals, with many residents expressing unease and altering their usual security habits.

Pastor Schonemann was a much-admired figure, having served the New River Bible Chapel for about 25 years, and was known for his positive influence and community engagement. His son, Randall Schonemann, emphasized that his father had no known enemies and was a respected leader in the area. The shocking nature of his death has raised questions and concerns in the close-knit community, highlighting a rare and disturbing event in what is typically a peaceful environment. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities remaining cautious about releasing specific details to preserve the integrity of their work.

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RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a factual and timely report on the murder of Pastor William Schonemann, capturing the community's shock and concern. It effectively uses credible sources and personal quotes to convey the gravity of the situation, maintaining a clear and neutral tone throughout. However, the lack of specific details about the investigation and the absence of broader perspectives slightly limit its comprehensiveness and engagement potential. Despite these limitations, the story remains relevant and informative, addressing a significant public interest issue with sensitivity and clarity.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the discovery of Pastor William Schonemann's body and the circumstances surrounding his death, as confirmed by multiple sources. The description of the scene and the ruling of his death as a homicide are consistent with available information from law enforcement and local news reports. However, the story lacks specific details about the cause of death and the nature of the injuries, which are not disclosed by the authorities. The claim that there is no known suspect or motive is also accurate, based on the current status of the investigation. The story's accuracy is supported by credible sources, but the absence of certain details leaves some aspects unverifiable at this time.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the incident by including perspectives from law enforcement, the community, and the victim's family. It highlights the shock and fear among locals, providing quotes from neighbors and residents that reflect the community's reaction. The piece also includes a statement from the pastor's son, which offers a personal perspective on the victim's character. However, the article could benefit from additional viewpoints, such as comments from church members or other community leaders, to provide a more comprehensive picture of the incident's impact.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the main points. The narrative flows logically from the discovery of the body to the community's reaction, making it easy for readers to follow the sequence of events. The tone is neutral and factual, appropriate for reporting on a sensitive topic. However, the lack of specific details about the investigation may leave some readers with unanswered questions, slightly affecting overall clarity.

8
Source quality

The story cites information from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and local news outlet Fox10, both credible sources for reporting on the incident. The use of direct quotes from law enforcement and community members adds reliability to the article. However, the story could improve by incorporating a wider range of sources, such as official statements from the medical examiner or additional local news outlets, to enhance the depth of reporting and corroborate the details provided.

6
Transparency

The article provides a reasonable level of transparency by disclosing the sources of its information and attributing quotes to specific individuals. However, it lacks detailed explanations regarding the investigation's progress and the specific circumstances of the crime scene. The story could improve transparency by clarifying the basis for certain claims, such as the absence of a community threat, and by providing more context on the investigation's confidentiality constraints.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/us/arizona-pastor-found-dead-arms-pinned-wall-homicide-home
  2. https://julieroys.com/arizona-town-rocked-by-murder-of-elderly-pastor/
  3. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/death-william-pastor-bill-schonemann-leaves-void-red-devils-hot-rod-club-members-share-memories
  4. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/disturbing-details-revealed-new-river-pastors-homicide-case
  5. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJStsTNR1bf/