Auburn, Ala. — Authorities said a retired Auburn University professor was killed by multiple sharp‑force injuries after being ambushed while walking her dog Saturday in a city park, and a 26‑year‑old man was arrested and charged in the slaying.
Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was found dead in a wooded area of Kiesel Park on Saturday, and the Lee County coroner’s office determined the cause of death was "multiple sharp force injuries," according to a spokesperson quoted by Fox News Digital. Harold Rashad Dabney III was arrested Sunday and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the homicide, Auburn police said.
Police said detectives believe Dabney ambushed Schnuelle while she was walking her dog, dragged her hundreds of yards into the woods and repeatedly struck her with a sharp object. Authorities also say Dabney stole Schnuelle’s Ford F‑150 pickup truck.
The Auburn Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to an 8:30 a.m. call Sunday reporting a "suspicious person," and detectives made observations that led them to believe Dabney was involved in the homicide. Police did not immediately release a motive.
Schnuelle, a professor emerita at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, served on the faculty from 2003 until her retirement in 2021, the university said. In a statement, Auburn extended its "sincere condolences to Gard Schnuelle’s family and loved ones for their tragic loss" and described her as "a cherished educator, mentor and colleague" whose work in theriogenology and veterinary medicine had a lasting impact on students and colleagues.
A former student, Ashley Rutter, told AL.com that Schnuelle visited Kiesel Park every day and was known for a warm, direct manner. "She was always so welcoming. She was spunky and ready to make jokes. But if she saw something she didn’t like, she would always stand up for you and for herself," Rutter said.
Auburn police said the investigation remains active. Officials have not released additional details about evidence collected at the scene or whether there are other suspects. Dabney was taken into custody without incident and booked on capital murder charges, the department said.
Capital murder is a designation used in Alabama for certain killings that can carry the most severe penalties under state law. County and city investigators are continuing their work alongside the coroner’s office, and authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Auburn police. No court records immediately listed a defense attorney for Dabney, and prosecutors had not filed a public statement detailing planned charges beyond the two counts of capital murder.
Schnuelle’s death prompted condolences from colleagues and former students, and university officials said her legacy of teaching, scholarship and service "will continue to inspire generations of veterinarians." Local law enforcement and the coroner said they would provide more information as it becomes available.