A LOVE triangle ended in murder when a doctor was stabbed and gunned down in his own home.
Police eventually learned Joseph Sonnier’s killer had past ties to his then-girlfriend Richelle Shetina.
Who is Richelle Shetina?
Richelle Shetina is a professional dancer from Lubbock, Texas.
She was formerly a halftime dancer for the Kansas City Chiefs.
While taking classes at D’Venue Dance Studio, Richelle met the late pathologist Dr. Joseph Sonnier and became dance partners.
Eventually, things turned romantic between the two and they entered a relationship.
However, Richelle found her relationship with Dr. Joseph complicated by her ex-boyfriend, Dr. Thomas Michael Dixon.
Previously, Richelle and Dr. Thomas were romantically involved while the latter was married.
Dr. Thomas’ extramarital affair with the former Chiefs dancer ended his then-marriage.
Although Thomas and Richelle continued their relationship following the former’s divorce, the latter called things off shortly after.
On July 10, 2012, Dr. Joseph was found stabbed and shot to death at his own residence.
On January 14, 2022, Dr. Thomas was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole for the homicide of Dr. Joseph.
Where is Richelle now?
On May 11, 2023, Richelle told her side of the story to ABC 20/20’s Ryan Smith.
“Evil followed me straight to Joseph’s door,” she says during her recollection of events.
She also describes Dr. Joseph as a “good and kind and decent and loving man.”
The former dancer also shares she is trying to move on from the ordeal and warns viewers about “psychopaths that walk amongst us.”
“They’re charming, and they are witty, and they sit at the dinner table with you and your children. And sometimes they sleep in your bed with you.
“They’re not capable of feeling love for you or empathy for anyone… When the mask starts to slip– when you see that, don’t ignore it.
“Don’t try to rationalize it… And get out as fast as you can. Truly. Run as fast as you can.”
How can I watch ABC 20/20?
Joseph Sonnier’s demise at the hands of Thomas Dixon is retold in an episode of ABC’s 20/20 titled This is Revenge.
On May 11, 2023, This is Revenge was broadcasted via the above-mentioned network at 9pm EST.
Show anchor Ryan Smith collected first-hand testimonies from those who were involved with the case, including an exclusive interview with Richelle.
The case was also featured in a previous episode titled Deadly Dance in Texas, which aired on March 8, 2019.
For those that miss Thursday’s broadcast, there are streaming options available.
When the episode’s cable premiere concludes, audiences can head on over to watch the special by streaming it on Hulu.
