UPDATED: Lubbock Police Identify Homicide Victim Near Marsha Sharp Freeway

UPDATED: 10:20p, July 11, 2012

Lubbock Police have identified the victim as Dr. Joseph Sonnier III, the chief pathologist for Covenant Health System.

No further information has been released concerning the gunshot wound and what type of weapon was used.

Covenant Health System released the following statement:

"The entire Covenant family is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Joe Sonnier. He was loved by our staff, physicians and all who he encountered every day. Dr. Sonnier joined the Covenant staff in 2006. He served in leadership positions at Covenant such as section chief of pathology and most recently served as medical director of the pathology department. He was a tremendous supporter of the Covenant Foundation, March of Dimes and many other charities. Many lives were touched and brightened by his presence. Our prayers are with his family and friends."

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Lubbock Police right now are investigating a homicide in the 4600 Block of 21st Street. LPD is encouraging motorists to avoid the area and to use alternate routes.

According to LPD, around 1:50p this afternoon, LPD received a call to assist in checking a residence, which was 4603 21st Street. While officers were enroute, landscapers at the house found a broken window, and then found a shooting victim in the residence.

The victim has been identified as 57-year-old Dr. Joseph Sonnier III, who served as Covenant Medical Center’s chief of pathology.

As this story develops, KFYO will keep you updated.