A horrific act of violence unfolded in Auburn, Alabama, where 59-year-old Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired Auburn University professor and veterinarian, was fatally stabbed while walking her dog in Kiesel Park on Saturday. The attack occurred in broad daylight, leaving the community stunned.
Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, is accused of stealing Schnuelle’s truck before killing her. Her dog was found at the scene, remaining by her side. Police stated that interactions with Dabney led them to suspect his involvement in the homicide.
Schnuelle, described as a “force” in her field despite her small stature, had a distinguished career at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served from 2003 to 2021. Colleagues and students remembered her as a beloved figure, with one former student calling her “a bright, bright light.”
Dabney faces two counts of capital murder, with charges potentially including murder during a robbery and kidnapping. He was arrested Sunday and is held without bond. The case has sparked outrage over the senseless loss of a respected community member.