News Summary
Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired veterinary professor from Auburn University, was found dead in Kiesel Park after being ambushed and stabbed. The suspect, Harold Rashad Dabney III, was arrested for capital murder. The community mourns the loss of Schnuelle, who was a cherished educator.
Auburn, Alabama
Julie Gard Schnuelle, a 59-year-old retired veterinary professor from Auburn University, was tragically found dead in Kiesel Park on September 6, 2025. The attack occurred while she was walking her dog, which was later discovered unharmed. Authorities reported that Schnuelle had been ambushed, robbed, and subsequently stabbed to death. Her body was located in a wooded area, and investigative evidence indicated she suffered injuries consistent with an assault involving a sharp object.
In connection with this heinous crime, 28-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III from Montgomery, Alabama, has been charged with capital murder. The fatal incident transpired around 10:17 a.m. during the commission of a felony robbery, in which Dabney allegedly stole Schnuelle’s red Ford F-150 truck to flee the scene of the crime. His apprehension followed close behind, as Auburn Police arrested him on September 7, 2025, after gathering evidence linking him to the murder.
The police had been alerted to a “suspicious person” and made several observations that suggested Dabney’s potential involvement in the homicide. Upon his arrest, authorities reportedly found items that connected him to the scene of the crime. This swift response from law enforcement indicates a serious commitment to ensuring justice for Schnuelle and her loved ones.
Dabney’s criminal history has raised concerns regarding public safety, particularly since he was previously arrested in December 2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for felony gun possession. During that arrest, he was caught inebriated in his vehicle with a sawed-off shotgun and a handgun, which had its serial number removed. Although he pleaded guilty to misdemeanors stemming from this incident, his prior felony charge was dismissed in a plea deal, allowing him to avoid prison time altogether. Had he been convicted of the felony gun charges, he could have faced up to 10 years in prison and potentially been incarcerated at the time of Schnuelle’s murder.
Schnuelle had a distinguished career, working at Auburn University from 2003 until her retirement in 2021. Renowned for her contributions as an educator in veterinary medicine, she was remembered as a “cherished educator, mentor, and colleague.” The impact she made on her students and the community at large will be long-lasting, as many mourn her untimely passing.
The murder of Schnuelle has instigated a wave of grief throughout the community, prompting responses from local officials, including condolences from U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. Incidents like this raise critical questions about safety in public spaces such as Kiesel Park, which had been regarded as a secure area frequented by students and residents for recreation.
Auburn University released a statement expressing profound sorrow over the loss of Schnuelle, extending condolences to her family and loved ones. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on uncovering the circumstances and motivations behind this tragic incident.
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Retired Professor Murdered in Alabama Park
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Kiesel Park
- New York Times
- Google Search: Julie Gard Schnuelle
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Julie Gard Schnuelle
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kiesel Park
- WRBL News
- Google News: Kiesel Park Murder
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