Overview
- In a March 12 hearing, Adam Scheafe first tried to plead no contest and then guilty, but the judge declined both after prosecutors objected.
- Scheafe told the court he wants the process expedited, prefers a judge to decide, and does not contest the death penalty sought by prosecutors.
- Representing himself with advisory counsel, Scheafe said he confessed to the FBI and acknowledged the crime as heinous, stating, “I intended it to be heinous.”
- Prosecutors previously filed notice to seek capital punishment, and the case now proceeds on the standard track with the next court date set for April 24.
- Scheafe is charged with murdering 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann in April 2025, with additional counts tied to alleged plans targeting other religious leaders.