A KILLER’S tangled web was uncovered when a doctor was found dead at his own home.
Eventually, police named Thomas Michael Dixon as the perpetrator behind Joseph Sonnier’s homicide.
Where is Dr. Thomas Michael Dixon?
Former doctor Thomas Michael Dixon remains incarcerated at the James V. Allred Unit prison in Texas.
He first went on trial in October 2014 after being arrested on suspicion of capital murder two years prior.
Dixon had hired his friend, David Shepard, to kill Texas physician, Joseph Sonnier, MD, after allegedly paying him three silver bars and a box of expensive Cuban cigars.
However, Shepard’s confession to the police that the initial arrest changed in court.
At the trial, Shepard claimed he had acted alone and that Dixon was not involved in the murder case.
The judge ordered a mistrial after the defense made use of Shepard’s contradicting statements to show that Thomas never wanted to physically harm his rival, only to end Sonnier’s relationship with his ex-mistress Richelle Shetina.
Dixon and Shetina had an affair back in 2010.
A year later, only testimonies and Shepard’s initial confession was used in the second trial and, this time, Dixon was found guilty of two counts of capital murder.
The cosmetic surgeon was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
However, due to an appeal of the conviction by his defense team, the 7th Court of Appeals overturned Thomas’ conviction at the end of 2018.
On January 17, 2019, Dixon was let out of jail on a $2million bond pending his retrial.
Over a year later, Dixon’s bail was revoked, sending him back behind bars.
On January 14, 2022, the court released an opinion that would keep him in prison for life.
The outlet notes that he was acquitted of the second count of capital murder but the first count was affirmed.
This meant he will continue to serve his life sentence without parole for the murder of Sonnier.
When was Dr. Joseph Sonnier murdered?
Dr. Joseph Sonnier was found dead in his Lubbock, Texas, home on July 10, 2012.
He was stabbed and shot to death and found by his landscapers the next day.
At the time of his death, Sonnier was in a relationship with Shetina.
Over the years, it has been reported that the murder occurred because Dixon was jealous of Sonnier’s romance with his ex-mistress, according to the outlet.
How can I watch ABC’s 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.
Previously, Dateline NBC covered the investigation on Saturday, August 13, 2022, in an episode titled Obsession in the Lone Star State.