Dr. Joseph Albert Sonnier III, a 57-year-old pathologist in Lubbock, Texas, was found dead in his home on July 10, 2012, having been stabbed and shot multiple times. The death was investigated as a homicide and ultimately tied to an alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

A tip to investigators connected the killing to David Shepard, who confessed to the slaying and said he had been paid to carry out the attack. Shepard implicated Dr. Thomas Michael Dixon, a plastic surgeon and reported rival of Sonnier’s, alleging Dixon paid for the murder because Sonnier was dating Dixon’s ex-girlfriend, Richelle Shetina. Sonnier’s family, including his two sons and his ex-wife, mourned his loss.

The case drew wide attention and was featured on the television program Dateline NBC. Anyone with information about Dr. Sonnier, his relationships, or the events around July 10, 2012 is asked to come forward.