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A New Orleans doctor was stabbed to death and his French Quarter was set on fire. The victim a plastic surgeon, was also a professor at Tulane University.

he body of a 45 year old plastic surgeon, Ralph Newsome, was found in his French Quarter early Saturday morning. His home was also set on fire. The firefighters responding to the call were alerted by neighbors that it was likely that he was inside. Joe Gagliano, the coroner’s investigator reportedly identified the victim.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the firefighters found the body at 3am on the second floor of a highly secured French Quarter. It is reported that investigators found flammable liquid, probably gasoline, which is suspected to have been used in setting the fire.

In an interview with the AP, a university spokesman, Keith Brannon disclosed that the victim reportedly taught plastic surgery at Tulane University’s School of Medicine. The university also disclosed that Newsome was educated at the University of South Alabama where he also completed his residency in general surgery. He then pursued his plastic surgery residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He joined the university medical faculty in 1998, and specialized in reconstructive surgery, complex wounds, skin cancer and melanoma.