A pastor was crucified and had a crown of thorns placed on his head by a religious fanatic.

The blood-soaked body of William “Bill” Schonemann, 76, was found on his bed with his hands nailed to the wall in a house in New River, Arizona, on April 28.

Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to the killing in a jail cell interview in which he revealed he was attempting to recreate the crucifixion scene, as part of what he dubbed “Operation First Commandment”.

He claimed to have found the crown of thorns in the desert.

Sheafe planned to execute 14 clergymen whom he believed were leading their “flock astray”.