September 10, 2025

Retired Professor Murdered in Alabama Park

here-intlog
September 10, 2025
8:35 am
Virginia Beach

News Summary

Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired professor from Auburn University, was tragically murdered while walking her dog in Kiesel Park. The suspect, Harold Rashad Dabney III, faces multiple charges including capital murder. The incident has shocked the community, prompting discussions about safety and the legacy of Schnuelle, who was well-regarded in her field. Law enforcement is investigating and seeking information, while Dabney is being held without bond as he awaits trial.

Auburn, Alabama

Julie Gard Schnuelle, a 59-year-old retired professor emerita from Auburn University, was tragically murdered while walking her dog in Kiesel Park, sparking outrage and sorrow within the university community and beyond. The suspect, Harold Rashad Dabney III, a 26-year-old from Montgomery, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in relation to her death. Additional charges against Dabney include murder during a robbery and murder during a kidnapping.

The horrific incident occurred in the afternoon when Schnuelle’s body was discovered in a wooded area of Kiesel Park following a 911 call reporting a deceased person. The Auburn Police Department has indicated that Schnuelle sustained injuries consistent with a violent assault.

Following the incident, Dabney reportedly stole Schnuelle’s red Ford F-150 truck, which has since been recovered by law enforcement. The suspect was arrested early Sunday morning, approximately five miles from the crime scene, after officers responded to reports of a suspicious individual in the area. Initial observations by police led them to suspect Dabney’s involvement in the homicide.

Law enforcement records reveal that Dabney has a prior criminal history. Earlier in 2023, he was arrested in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for possession of a sawed-off shotgun. Furthermore, his family background includes multiple arrests; his father, Harold Dabney Jr., has faced charges relating to drug trafficking and robbery. Following the divorce of his parents when he was four years old, his father encountered persistent legal troubles, including issues with child support payments.

Academic Legacy

Julie Gard Schnuelle was celebrated for her career as a dedicated educator and mentor at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served from 2003 until her retirement in 2021. Her contributions to the field of theriogenology and veterinary medicine left a substantial impact on her students and the larger academic community. The university has expressed its profound condolences to Schnuelle’s family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing her legacy and the influence she had on many aspiring veterinarians.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Schnuelle’s death. Dabney is currently being held without bond at the Lee County Jail, where he has been formally charged but is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. His attorney has requested a preliminary hearing and access to the evidence against him.

Community Response

The murder of Schnuelle has evoked a significant response from the Auburn community, highlighting concerns for safety and mourning the loss of a respected member of the academic world. Community members are reflecting on her positive influence and the troubling nature of her untimely death.

As law enforcement continues its investigation, additional details may emerge regarding the incident and the background of both Schnuelle and Dabney. The Auburn Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in their inquiries.

Meanwhile, the university community remains devastated by the loss, remembering Julie Gard Schnuelle not just as an educator, but as a beacon of mentorship and passion for veterinary medicine.