News Summary Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired professor from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was found dead in Kiesel Park, prompting the arrest of Harold Rashad Dabney III for capital murder. Initial investigations suggest trauma from a sharp object led to her death. Schnuelle was walking her dog at the time of the incident. Authorities linked Dabney to a prior gun-related felony and other misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. The community is in shock as they mourn her loss and call for justice. Auburn, Alabama – Julie Gard Schnuelle, a 59-year-old retired professor emerita from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was found dead in a wooded area of Kiesel Park, leading to the arrest of 26-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III on charges of capital murder. Authorities discovered Schnuelle’s body after receiving a 911 call reporting a deceased individual. Preliminary investigations revealed that she sustained injuries consistent with an assault, and a coroner indicated that her death appeared to be caused by trauma inflicted by a sharp object, possibly a knife. At the time of the incident, Schnuelle was walking her dog, which was later found unharmed. The emergency call prompting police intervention was made at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, reporting a “suspicious person” in the area. Police apprehended Dabney shortly after, noticing behaviors that raised suspicions about his involvement in the homicide. Following the attack, Dabney allegedly stole Schnuelle’s Ford F-150 truck, which has since been recovered. Prior to the capital murder charges, Dabney had a recent brush with the law in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on December 27, 2023, where he faced a gun-related felony and several misdemeanors. At the time of that arrest, he was found homeless, sleeping in his car parked in a business lot. Searches of his vehicle uncovered a concealed handgun without a serial number, a sawed-off shotgun, white pills, and an open container of alcohol. Despite having no prior criminal record before the December arrest, Dabney lost his job around the same time. He was charged with felony possession of a sawed-off shotgun and multiple misdemeanor charges, including public intoxication and trespassing. Prosecutors later dropped the felony charge, resulting in a plea of guilty to the misdemeanor charges. He was sentenced to 730 days in jail, with 670 days suspended and 12 months of probation upon release, in addition to forfeiting the firearms seized during his arrest. The circumstances surrounding Schnuelle’s death have heightened concerns about public safety, as Kiesel Park had previously been regarded as a secure area frequented by students and residents. Auburn University expressed condolences in light of Schnuelle’s passing, recognizing her as a cherished educator and an inspirational figure in veterinary medicine. Following her retirement in 2021, Schnuelle had continued her impactful work, serving as an area veterinarian in charge for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Alabama and Mississippi. Schnuelle’s passing has left a significant impact on her family, who expressed profound grief and a desire for her legacy to positively influence future generations. As investigations continue, Harold Rashad Dabney III remains in custody at the Lee County Jail without bond, pending further legal proceedings. Community members and students alike are grappling with the loss and the implications of this shocking incident, reflecting on the importance of safety in public spaces. As the case progresses, many hope for swift justice for Julie Gard Schnuelle and her family as they navigate this tragic chapter in their lives. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Virginia Beach Police Department Enhances Crime-Fighting Technology Retired Professor Found Dead in Auburn Park Retired Professor Murdered in Alabama Park Additional Resources The New York Times Wikipedia: Julie Gard Schnuelle Fox News Google Search: Alabama Murder September 2025 CBS News Google Scholar: Julie Gard Schnuelle WRBL Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama Murder New York Post Google News: Julie Gard Schnuelle
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