Retired Auburn Professor Murdered, Suspect Apprehended in Fatal Stabbing

Authorities have stated that the individual accused of the crime ambushed a retired Auburn University professor and repeatedly struck her with a sharp object while she was walking her dog on Saturday.

The victim, 59-year-old Julie Gard Schnuelle, was discovered deceased on Saturday in a wooded area of Kiesel Park. Her injuries were consistent with an assault. Harold Rashad Dabney III, 26, has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with Schnuelle's death.

The Auburn Police Department reported that Dabney was apprehended on Sunday following a call regarding a "suspicious person." Detectives' observations led them to believe Dabney was involved in the homicide. Authorities also confirmed that Dabney stole Schnuelle's Ford F-150 pickup truck.

A spokesperson from the Lee County Coroner's Office indicated that Schnuelle died from "multiple sharp force injuries." Detectives believe Dabney ambushed Schnuelle while she was walking her dog at Kiesel Park, dragging her into the woods and stabbing her with a sharp object.

Schnuelle was a professor emerita at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, having retired in 2021. The university expressed its condolences to Schnuelle's family and loved ones, describing her as a cherished educator, mentor, and colleague. The university highlighted her lasting impact on students and her passion for veterinary medicine.

A former student of Schnuelle's noted that the professor frequented Kiesel Park daily. The former student described Schnuelle as welcoming, spunky, and someone who would stand up for others.