An Alabama man is behind bars after police found an Auburn University professor deceased Saturday in Kiesel Park.
On Sunday, the authorities detained Harold Rashad Dabney III, age 28, and charged him with two counts of capital murder related to the death of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, aged 59.
According to the Auburn Police Department, Schnuelle’s body was left in a wooded area at the park and had signs of assault.
According to Al.com, the Lee County coroner noted indications that a sharp force tool was used during the incident. Dr. Schnuelle had been jogging with her dogs when the attack took place.
Destinee Bearden Patterson, a former student and friend, mentioned, “Kiesel Park is a venue commonly visited by veterinary students and Auburn attendees in general, and it was always thought of as secure.”
“The safety is now being questioned.”
On Sunday morning, around 8:30 a.m., law enforcement responded to a report of a suspicious individual roughly four miles from the park. Officers encountered Dabney and, upon speaking with him, gathered evidence linking him to the murder case.
“The suspicious person was located by officers and identified as Harold Rashad Dabney III,” officials said.
“Officers in contact with Dabney made observations that led them to believe Dabney had involvement with the homicide that occurred the previous day.”
Police also said Dabney stole Schnuelle’s vehicle, identified as a red Ford F-150. Police recovered the truck following the suspect’s arrest.
Dabney is behind bars at the Lee County jail.
ABC 7 reports that the university released a statement after Schnuelle’s death.
The Auburn University community remembers “Julie Gard Schnuelle, DVM, Ph. D., as a cherished figure in the College of Veterinary Medicine family” stated the announcement. “Her career spanned from 2003 to 2021 at the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Large Animal/Food Animal division, culminating in her retirement as a professor emerita.”
The announcement further explains that “The investigation is being overseen by the Auburn Police Department, directing any inquiries to them. Auburn extends heartfelt sympathies to Dr. Gard Schnuelle’s family and friends during this incredibly trying period.”
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Auburn University
