In a shocking turn of events, Harold Rashad Dabney III has been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired Auburn University professor and esteemed veterinarian. Schnuelle, 59, was fatally attacked on September 6, 2025, while walking her dog in Kiesel Park, a popular recreational area in Auburn, Alabama. The Auburn Police Department confirmed her death after her body was discovered in a wooded section of the park.
Who Was Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle?
Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was a well-respected figure in the veterinary field, known for her extensive contributions to Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. From 2003 until her retirement in 2021, Schnuelle specialized in areas such as dairy production medicine, bovine embryology, and canine reproduction. She remained an active member of the veterinary community even after retirement, teaching certification courses and serving as Area Veterinarian in Charge for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Alabama and Mississippi.
Her colleagues and former students remember her as a brilliant educator and mentor. “She was a force in this world, such a bright, bright light,” said Destinee Bearden Patterson, a former student, in an interview with AL.com. Dr. Allen Riley, another colleague, expressed shock at the news, noting her significant impact on veterinarians across Alabama.
The Tragic Incident at Kiesel Park
On the morning of September 6, Schnuelle was reportedly walking her dog in Kiesel Park, a location she frequented. Authorities were alerted to the scene after receiving a call about a deceased person. Schnuelle’s body was found with injuries described as “multiple sharp force injuries” by Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton. Her red Ford F-150 truck was missing from the vicinity, leading investigators to suspect foul play.
On September 7, police apprehended Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, near Beehive Road after receiving a tip about a suspicious individual. Following further investigation, Dabney was charged with two counts of capital murder—one for Schnuelle’s death and another related to the theft of her vehicle. The stolen truck has since been recovered.
Community Reactions and Investigation Updates
The Auburn community has been left heartbroken by the loss of Dr. Schnuelle. In a statement to Newsweek, Auburn University described her as a “cherished educator, mentor, and colleague” whose contributions left a lasting impact. The university extended its condolences to her family and loved ones.
The Auburn Police Department has credited multiple agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the FBI, for their assistance in the investigation. They also thanked the public for their vigilance and tips, which were instrumental in identifying Dabney as the suspect.
Dabney remains in custody at the Lee County Jail without bond. The investigation is ongoing, with a postmortem examination of Schnuelle’s body scheduled at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery.
A Life and Legacy Cut Short
Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle’s tragic death has cast a shadow over the Auburn community and the veterinary profession at large. Her dedication to education, innovation, and mentorship will be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her. As the investigation continues, her friends, family, and colleagues are left to grapple with the loss of a woman described as a “bright light” in their lives.
The circumstances surrounding this case serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of community vigilance. Dr. Schnuelle’s legacy as a mentor and innovator will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations in the veterinary field.