A former Auburn University professor was killed while walking her dog on Saturday at a local park.

The Auburn, Alabama Police Department reported that 59-year-old Julie Schnuelle was discovered deceased in a wooded area of Kiesel Park, with injuries suggesting her death resulted from an assault. Police stated officers initially reacted to a 911 call about a deceased individual. AL.com noted the dog was unharmed.

26-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III was taken into custody on two counts of capital murder in connection with Schnuelle’s death. A news release from the police revealed that Dabney was apprehended on Sunday after an 8:30 a.m. call about a “suspicious person,” with detectives noting “observations that led them to believe Dabney had involvement with the homicide.” 

Dabney III also allegedly stole a red Ford F-150 belonging to Schnuelle which has since been recovered, police said.

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

Ashley Rutter told AL.com that Schnuelle went to Kiesel Park every day.

“She ran there every day,” Rutter stated. “She was always so welcoming. She was spunky and ready to make jokes. But if she noticed something she didn’t like, she would always stand up for you and for herself.”

Another former student, Destinee Bearden Patterson, told the outlet Schnuelle “was a force.”

Julie Schnuelle was a former professor at Auburn University. (John Korduner/Replay Photos )

“She was only a little bit over 5-foot-2, not your typical large animal veterinarian. She was a force in this world, such a bright, bright light, just an all-around wonderful human being that is going to be missed terribly,” Patterson remarked.

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