The recent death of Pastor William Schonemann, a revered figure at New River Bible Chapel in Arizona, has been officially classified as a homicide.

Investigative sources have disclosed unsettling details regarding the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his body at his residence on Monday.

According to a news release issued by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, authorities found the 76-year-old pastor deceased after responding to a call at 7:31 PM.

Preliminary investigations indicated the presence of evidence suggestive of “foul play,” although specific details were not provided by the investigators.

Multiple sources have reported to Fox 10 Phoenix that Pastor Schonemann sustained significant injuries. He was reportedly discovered on his bed with his arms extended and his hands affixed to a wall.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has not issued further comments regarding the details observed at the crime scene but did express that they consider the pastor’s murder to be an isolated event.

Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez of the sheriff’s office expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with Mr. Schonemann’s loved ones as we continue our efforts to bring justice in this case.

MCSO detectives are actively investigating and following all leads. We will share more information with the public as soon as it becomes available.”

Residents of the small community of New River have expressed shock and anxiety in the wake of the murder.

“Honestly, I was shocked because New River is so small.

I typically do not lock my door or remove my keys from my vehicle,” commented New River resident Emily Brean to Fox 10. “It raises questions as to why anyone would murder a pastor.”

Another resident, Carol Mathews, acknowledged her discomfort regarding the prospect of an unidentified murder suspect in a town with a population slightly over 17,000, as per the 2020 census.

However, she also understood the necessity for law enforcement to exercise caution in their communications regarding the case.

“Whenever there is a potential murderer at large, I am not particularly comfortable, but I comprehend why they might withhold information,” she noted.

Randall Schonemann, the son of the late pastor, chose not to comment directly on the investigation, but he conveyed to AZ Central that the death of his father was unexpected.

He shared that his father had served as pastor at New River Bible Chapel for approximately 25 years and had been a member prior to his appointment. A U.S. Navy veteran, Pastor Schonemann found faith subsequent to his return from the Vietnam War.

Following the death of his wife, Crystal Schonemann, in 2022 after 49 years of marriage, Randall noted that his father devoted greater time to the church.

Describing his father as outgoing and skilled in automotive repair, he stated, “Our father had a profoundly positive impact on people everywhere he went.

We will miss his loving guidance, patience, and the joy he exhibited in simple activities such as walking through an airport.

The creativity he displayed in all of his mechanical endeavors was remarkable. There are insufficient words to fully express our sentiments regarding his absence.”