Attorney Josh Kolsrud Analyzes the Adam Schiff Murder Case

The shocking killing of Pastor Bill Shainaman in New River has reverberated across Maricopa County and beyond. Adam Schiff, who has openly confessed to the gruesome murder during a televised interview, is awaiting extradition to Maricopa County to face what will likely be a first-degree murder charge. As this high-profile case unfolds, criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor Josh Kolsrud provided key legal insights during a recent 12 News segment, weighing in on the likely prosecution strategy and possible defense avenues.

Is This a Death Penalty Case?

The facts laid out are disturbing: Schiff admitted on live television to targeting and killing Pastor Shainaman in a particularly cruel and religiously motivated act. When asked if this was a “clear death penalty case,” Josh Kolsrud did not mince words:

"If this isn't a death penalty case, I don't know what is. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office reviews any eligible homicide for the death penalty—what’s called the ‘death panel’—to see if there are statutory aggravating factors."

According to Kolsrud, several factors in this case make it a strong candidate for capital punishment:

• Cruel and Heinous Manner: The manner of killing clearly appears to meet this legal definition.
• Victim Vulnerability: The pastor was reportedly over 70, which is a recognized statutory aggravator.
• Religious Motivation: The murder appears to have been motivated by the victim's religious status and beliefs, another aggravating circumstance.

"The answer is yes to all three... If this defendant is requesting the death penalty, Rachel Mitchell would be right by giving, you know, by saying yes to his request because that would be justice."

The Power — and Pitfalls — of a Televised Confession

Schiff’s chilling confessions on television raise critical legal questions. Is such an admission as damning in court as it appears to be on air? Could it be suppressed or excluded?

Kolsrud explains:

"On its face, it sounds like a confession. As long as it wasn’t coerced, and law enforcement didn’t prompt the reporter to ask these questions without reading Miranda rights, the statement can absolutely come in as evidence. It’s just as good as any confession he could give to a detective."

This reinforces that a voluntary, public confession—even to a reporter—can be extremely damaging in court and is generally admissible barring any violations of legal procedure.

What Defense Could There Be?

Given the gravity and public nature of Schiff’s confession, the defense side faces daunting odds. In Josh Kolsrud’s assessment, mental health and competency are the most plausible routes:

"If you were his defense attorney, the argument has to be some sort of insanity or diminished capacity—that he didn’t understand his actions or the consequences. But when you hear him talk and hear the details of his confession, it's going to be incredibly difficult to make that argument with a straight face."

Kolsrud’s appraisal highlights just how formidable the case against Schiff is, both factually and legally.

Key Legal Takeaways from Attorney Josh Kolsrud

• Death Penalty Eligibility: This case contains multiple aggravated factors, making it a textbook example for capital prosecution in Arizona.
• Confessions To The Media: Voluntary media confessions are generally admissible unless the result of improper law enforcement involvement or coercion.
• Defenses in Seemingly Hopeless Cases: Insanity or diminished capacity may be the only options, but the facts here make such strategies especially challenging.
• Justice and Process: As always, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office must weigh not just the shocking facts, but ensure every right is observed—from extradition, to charging, to future trial.

At Kolsrud Law Offices, we believe every defendant is entitled to a rigorous defense and every victim deserves justice. For legal updates and authoritative criminal law commentary, follow our blog at KolsrudLawOffices.com.

If you or someone you know is facing serious criminal charges, contact us for skilled and compassionate representation—no case is too complex, and every detail matters.