Two Men Arrested for the Murder of a Prominent Lubbock Doctor
By: Brittany Escobar
Updated: July 16, 2012
Two men arrested overnight in Amarillo for the murder of a prominent Lubbock doctor, Dr. Joseph Sonnier.
"We believe Dr. Sonnier was specifically and individually targeted by Dr. Dixon and Mr. Shepard."
Lubbock police said 57 year old Dr. Joseph Sonnier was shot and stabbed in a murder-for-hire plot, motivated by a love triangle between one woman and two doctors.
"L.P.D'S crime line received a tip identifying scene and naming the persons involved in this homicide."
Tips led police to Amarillo to arrest 48 year old, plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Michael Dixon and 51 year old David Shepard for the murder of Dr. Sonnnier.
"From evidence they've been able to gather we developed enough probable cause to arrest both Dr. Dixon and Shepard for Dr. Sonniers murder."
The two men are being held each on a $10 million bond.
"We believe Dr. Dixon hired Mr. Shepard to murder Dr. Sonnier."
According to the arrest warrant, Shepard admitted to his roommate Dr. Dixon was going to pay him three silver bars to kill Sonnier.
He continued to confess to his roommate he had shot Sonnier several time after coming through a window in Sonnier's home.
"We believe the origin of the dispute between the two doctors appeared to be Dr. Sonnier's current girlfriend and Dr. Dixon's previous girlfriend."
After detectives interviewed Sonnier's girlfriend she reported her ex-boyfriend was Dr. Dixon and he insisted on seeing her even though she was dating Sonnier.
A co-worker of Sonniers also stated Sonnier told her his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend would not leave her alone.
"We are confident in our arrest and charges of Dr. Dixon and Shepard as being responsible for Dr. Sonnier's murder."
LPD homicide and crime scene detective are still in Amarillo actively working the case. The two men could face additional charges.
