Thomas Michael Dixon is the former plastic surgeon who was accused of hiring a hit man to kill his ex-mistress’ boyfriend, pathologist Dr. Joseph Sonnier. The hit man, David Shepard, pleaded guilty to killing Sonnier and received a life sentence without parole. But when Dixon was first tried for capital murder, Dixon claimed he was innocent. Dixon admitted to planning with Shepard to follow/stalk Sonnier — but not to kill him. In 2014, a judge declared a mistrial as the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
[Texas Love Triangle Woman, Richelle Shetina, Gives Dating Advice After Murder-For-Hire]
Dixon had to wait almost a year in prison as his second trial approached. When he was able to reduce his bond from $10 million to $2 million, he was released in September 2015. Two months later, Dixon was found guilty on two capital murder counts and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. ABC 20/20 will air its investigative report, including an exclusive interview with David Shepard, on Friday, August 5 at 10pm.
