A man behind bars for the weekend murder of an Auburn veterinary professor allegedly killed her for her truck, police said.
Earlier reports from CrimeOnline noted that police arrested 28-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III on Sunday. He faces charges of capital murder related to a kidnapping and capital murder connected to a theft, following the death of 59-year-old Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle.
According to the Auburn Police Department, Schnuelle’s body was left in a wooded area at Kiesel Park on Saturday.
Al.com reports that police said the professor’s Schnuelle’s red Ford F-150 had been reported missing from the scene and later found off Wire Road.
Police arrested Dabney after a call regarding a suspicious person close to the 2300 block of Beehive Road.
“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.”
According to the Lee County coroner, a sharp force instrument seemed to have been involved. The tragedy occurred while the professor was out jogging with her dogs.
Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris stated on Monday that further details would not be disclosed yet, as Dabney has not appeared in court for the first time.
He remains behind bars at the Lee County jail without bail.
Dr. Ashley Rutter mentioned to Al.com that the park where the incident happened is frequently visited by Auburn’s veterinary students. It was also where Schnuelle habitually jogged with her dogs.
Rutter reminisced, “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.”
“She’d be there to defend you and help you out.”
Schnuelle was listed as a professor emerita in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Anyone with further information about the case is encouraged to contact Auburn police at 334-501-3100. Tips can also be submitted via the tip line at 334-226-1391 or by emailing police@auburnalabama.org.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Auburn University]
