Two Arrested in Connection With Homicide of Dr. Joseph Sonnier [UPDATED]

Lubbock police have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a local doctor.

48-year-old Dr. Thomas Michael Dixon (left), a plastic surgeon from Amarillo, and 51-year-old David Neal Shepard have been taken into custody.

The two have been arrested in connection with the death of 57-year-old Dr. Joseph Sonnier, who served as the chief pathologist for Covenant Health System.

Sonnier was found dead on July 11^th at his home in the 4600 block of 21^st Street.

The suspects are in custody in Amarillo, and the Lubbock Police Department is holding a press conference this afternoon with more details.

The arrest warrant states that an interview with one of Sonnier’s coworkers yielded the information that Sonnier had told her that his “girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend would not leave her alone,” and the girlfriend stated that her ex-boyfriend was Dr. Thomas Michael Dixon, who apparently insisted on still seeing her, despite her relationship with Sonnier.

An interview with the roommate of David Neal Shepard allowed police to discover that Shepard had reportedly been watching Dr. Sonnier for weeks, and had texted Dixon multiple times while watching him.

According to the warrant affidavit, Shepard had told the roommate that he had shot Sonnier several times after entering his home through a window, and had been paid three silver bars worth roughly $3,000 each by Dixon. The roommate said he believed that Shepard had attempted to commit suicide around July 13^th by cutting his wrists, and was treated by Dixon.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Lubbock Police Department's Captain Jon Caspell gave an update on the case.