Indictment of Adam Christopher Seafe for Murder and Property Crimes

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has formally charged Adam Christopher Seafe, 50, with the murder of William Schoenman, 76, who was the pastor of the New River Bible Chapel. Seafe is also facing multiple property crime charges in Sedona.

Mitchell claims that Schoenman’s death was part of a broader conspiracy involving Seafe, aimed at eliminating 14 Christian leaders nationwide.

In an interview with Family Channel 3 and Briana Whitney at the Coconino County Detention Center on June 23, Seafe allegedly detailed how he murdered Schoenman on camera.

A grand jury has returned the following indictments against Seafe:

• One count of first-degree murder, classified as a class 1 felony
• Three counts of attempted first-degree murder, classified as class 2 felonies
• One count of second-degree robbery, a class 3 felony
• One count of first-degree robbery, a class 2 felony
• One count of conspiracy, a class 2 felony
• One count of theft of a motor vehicle, a class 3 felony
• One count of second-degree criminal trespassing, a class 2 misdemeanor

Schoenman was discovered deceased at his home in New River on April 28 by two members of his congregation who had gone to check on him. Notably, Mitchell mentioned that the pastor was found with his arms spread out, resembling a crucifixion. Seafe is also accused of breaking into a home in Cave Creek just two days prior and stealing a pickup truck.

On April 29 at approximately 9:50 AM, Sedona officials received a report about an ongoing robbery at a residence on Rufus Lane. The homeowner alerted authorities after seeing Seafe moving through the house via interior cameras.

According to Sedona Patrol Commander Christopher Dowell, police located Seafe driving the stolen truck later that day. While officers attempted to pursue him south on Route 179, Seafe reportedly swerved through traffic and collided with other vehicles, resulting in minor damage. Due to safety concerns, the pursuit was called off. Seafe managed to flee into the wilderness at a trailhead near Yavapai Point. After checking the abandoned vehicle’s registration, police discovered it had been stolen from Cave Creek and later linked Seafe to Schoenman’s murder through tangible evidence found at both the crime scene and the residence associated with the previous burglary.

On April 30 at approximately 6:22 PM, officials responded to a robbery report at a short-term rental on Gambel Lane, which lies parallel just south of Rufus Lane. By the time they arrived, however, Seafe had already escaped.

In response, Sedona police quickly established a perimeter and launched an extensive search, calling in additional officers due to Seafe’s prior criminal history. The effort included the Sedona Police Department’s Quick Response Team, the Verde Valley Regional SWAT Team, drone operators from Cottonwood Police, and K-9 units.

During the search, a Cottonwood police drone and ground units located Seafe’s campsite. Around 9:20 PM, he was found hiding in dense brush. Seafe attempted to evade capture again, leading to a pursuit across the rugged terrain in Coconino National Forest. Ultimately, he was located in a residential area and safely apprehended with the help of Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies.

Initially held at the Coconino County Detention Center, Seafe has now been transferred to Maricopa County.