Body of a murdered therapist found on the side of the road wrapped in tarpaulin

A therapist's body was found wrapped in a tarp along a Louisiana highway and police are searching for a potential suspect.

On Sunday, September 29, a passerby reported seeing a suspicious trap rolled up on the side of the road. Inside was the body of a man, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said.

The man's body was later identified as William Nicholas Abraham, 69, the sheriff's office said. According to his website, Abraham was a life coach and licensed professional counselor and went by the nickname Dr. Nick.

The sheriff's office says Abraham's death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma.

“It was a very physical and very violent attack,” Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker said, according to WAFB. “He was struck in the head, shoulders and neck. There were a lot of bruises.”

Police released images captured by a store's surveillance camera showing a person who authorities believe was the last person to drive Abraham's vehicle.

The car was eventually recovered by officers after the driver – who was not confirmed to be the person in the surveillance footage – sped away from a traffic stop and crashed. According to police, the driver ran away from the vehicle after the accident.

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Anyone with information about the person seen in the photos is asked to call the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 985-902-2008.

According to his website, Abraham had a doctorate and described himself as a “motivational speaker, recording artist, author, teacher and trailblazer.”

Abraham said on his website that he has experience treating substance abuse, anxiety and depression and works with the LGBTQ community.