The suspect in the murder of a retired Auburn University professor was previously arrested in 2023 for a gun-related felony. However, he ultimately pled guilty to multiple misdemeanor charges instead.

Auburn, Alabama police reported that 59-year-old Julie Gard Schnuelle was discovered deceased in a forested section of Kiesel Park on Saturday, showing signs of physical assault. The discovery came after a 911 call reported a dead body. Schnuelle had been walking her dog, which was found unharmed, as noted by AL.com.

Harold Rashad Dabney III, aged 26, faces two charges of capital murder connected to Schnuelle’s death. Officials stated in a news release that his arrest came on Sunday after an 8:30 a.m. report of a “suspicious person” prompted detectives to suspect his involvement in the homicide.

Dabney III allegedly stole Schnuelle’s Ford F-150 which has since been recovered, police said.

Harold Rashad Dabney III was charged with capital murder. (Auburn Police Department)

Dabney was initially charged with possession or use of a “sawed-off” shotgun, and the misdemeanors included altering the serial number of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon unlawfully, public intoxication, and trespassing.

According to court records, Dabney admitted guilt to all the misdemeanor charges, while the more serious felony was dismissed, sparing him from a potential 2 to 10-year prison term. He received a sentence of 12 months on unsupervised probation for the misdemeanors.

Schnuelle, who had retired from Auburn University in 2021, was a professor emerita in the College of Veterinary Medicine and had been serving as the Area Veterinarian in Charge for the USDA in Alabama and Mississippi, as per a statement from the university to Fox News Digital.

“The Auburn University community extends its sincere condolences to Gard Schnuelle’s family and loved ones for their tragic loss,” the spokeswoman said.

The Auburn University described Schnuelle as a “cherished educator.”

“She was a cherished educator, mentor and colleague whose dedication to students and passion for theriogenology and veterinary medicine left a lasting impact on Auburn,” the university said. “Dr. Gard Schnuelle’s legacy of compassion, scholarship and service will continue to inspire generations of veterinarians.” 

In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, the family of Schnuelle said her work will impact “generations to come.”

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Julie Gard Schnuelle. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support our family has received. Julie lived a life full of love and service to others and will be truly missed. We know that her legacy will have a positive influence for generations to come,” the family said.

Harold Rashad Dabney III was arrested on Dec. 27, 2023, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office)

Dabney is being held at the Lee County Jail without bond.