Left inset: Harold Dabney III (Auburn Police Department). Right inset: Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle (Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine). Background: Kiesel Park in Auburn, Ala., where Harold Dabney III allegedly murdered Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle on Saturday (Google Maps).
New information has surfaced regarding the tragic murder of a respected Alabama professor emerita, known as a cherished figure within both the veterinary and university circles. The victim, who was out walking her dogs, was reportedly stabbed seven times and dragged approximately 25 to 30 yards from the trail. Police disclosed that her phone, a blood-soaked dog leash, and a visor were discovered roughly 10 to 15 yards from the scene.
Harold Rashad Dabney III, a resident of Montgomery, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Dr. Julie Schnuelle, a retired professor from Auburn University. The incident took place on September 6 at Kiesel Park, situated in the 500 block of Chadwick Lane in Auburn, as confirmed by local authorities.
Police allege that Dabney assaulted and killed Schnuelle shortly after she arrived at the park around 9:38 a.m. that Saturday morning. After committing the crime, he reportedly abandoned her body in a wooded section of the park and fled the scene in her Ford F-150. A passerby later discovered Schnuelle and notified emergency services.
During a preliminary hearing held on Wednesday, an Auburn police detective recounted his findings from the day of the incident, as reported by AL.com. He described arriving at the park around 1:54 p.m., where a witness had initially noticed a pool of blood on the walking trail, leading to the discovery of Schnuelle’s body.
The detective revealed that Dabney allegedly inflicted multiple stab wounds to Schnuelle’s neck, chest, forearm, and hand. Upon their arrival, authorities identified at least two separate pools of blood on the trail. Their search eventually led them to find Schnuelle’s body hidden off the path, behind a tree. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Dabney using the victim’s key fob to access her F-150 and make his escape.
According to the detective, at least two different pools of blood were seen and reported on the walking trail by authorities upon their arrival. A search of the area led to Schnuelle being found off the trail and behind a tree, AL.com reports. The detective said it appeared she had been dragged to the location by Dabney, who was allegedly caught on surveillance video using Schnuelle’s key fob to enter her F-150 and drive away.
The next day, authorities received a report around 8:30 a.m. about a “suspicious person” at St. Matthews Baptist Church in the 2300 block of Beehive Road — around 4 miles away from Kiesel Park — who turned out to be Dabney, according to the detective. Cops searched him and allegedly found a credit card belonging to Schnuelle in his underwear, per the detective. Schnuelle’s F-150 was later located near the 6500 block of Wire Road, about 3 miles away from the church, in a wooded area.
“After further investigation, Dabney was confirmed to be the suspect responsible for the homicide, and he was charged with two counts of capital murder,” police officials reported at the time. The detective said Wednesday that blood was found inside the F-150, along with Dabney’s fingerprints.
Auburn University officials, as well as friends and family, released statements to local media outlets after her death describing Schnuelle as a “welcoming” and “spunky” professor emerita who was known to “help you out” when needed.
“Dr. Gard Schnuelle retired as a professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, in the Large Animal/Food Animal section in 2021,” Schnuelle’s bio said on the Auburn website.
A former student, Dr. Ashley Rutter, told AL.com that Schnuelle frequently visited Kiesel Park — specifically the dog park, as do many veterinary students.
“She ran there every day,” Rutter said.
Dabney was ordered held Wednesday without bond. His case has been sent to a local grand jury.
