New River police, Arizona, officially opened an investigation for homicide following the death of Pastor Bill Schonemann, found “crucified” in his room on April 28, report several American media.
The 76 -year -old man, who has run the New River Bible Chapel for almost 25 years, was found lifeless in his bed, arms in the cross position nailed to the wall. He would have undergone several serious injuries.
The murder hypothesis, quickly envisaged by the investigators, was confirmed by the Coroner office of the county of Maricopa.
There would be no suspect at the moment.
“There are unique and specific circumstances for this case that we cannot speak for the moment to avoid harming the investigation,” said the Maricopa sheriff office.
The pastor’s son, Randall Schonemann assured that his father was not arguing with anyone and that he was very respected in the small community of New River.
“No matter where he was going, our father had a positive impact on people,” Randall said in an official statement.
In an interview with Fox News, the neighbor of the pastor, Mike Anders, admitted to being still deeply disturbed by the death of Mr. Schonemann.
“Last night, we locked our doors. This is something that we do not do normally. We don’t know if it was a family member who did this. We do not know that could have made such a gesture, ”commented the man.
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