A retired university professor was murdered while walking her dog in an Alabama park, and authorities have now arrested a suspect in connection with her killing. The victim, identified as 59-year-old Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, was found deceased in a wooded area of Kiesel Park, a popular dog park in Auburn, Alabama, around 2 p.m. on Saturday. According to officials, she sustained injuries consistent with a violent assault, which led to her death. Dr. Gard Schnuelle, who retired in 2021, had been a respected professor at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, contributing to the institution’s academic and research community for years prior to her retirement.
Harold Rashad Dabney III was charged on Sunday with two counts of capital murder in relation to Dr. Gard Schnuelle’s death, as reported by Action News 5. Capital murder charges in Alabama apply to specific aggravated circumstances, such as murders committed during another felony like robbery or kidnapping, or those involving particular victims, and can carry penalties including life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. The arrest came after police responded to a report of a suspicious person spotted approximately four miles from Kiesel Park the day after the murder. Officers located Dabney and, based on observations and evidence gathered at the scene, determined he was connected to the crime.
Kiesel Park, spanning over 140 acres, is one of Auburn’s largest public parks and is frequently used by residents for walking, jogging, and dog exercise. The incident has shocked the local community, highlighting concerns about public safety in areas typically regarded as peaceful. Auburn University, where Dr. Gard Schnuelle spent much of her career, has expressed condolences, noting her contributions to veterinary medicine and education. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement works to establish a clear motive and gather further evidence related to the case.