An Alabama man is behind bars after police found an Auburn University professor deceased Saturday in Kiesel Park.
Police arrested Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, Sunday and charged him with two counts of capital murder, in connection with the death of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59.
According to the Auburn Police Department, Schnuelle’s body was left in a wooded area at the park and had signs of assault.
Al.com reports that the Lee County coroner stated that it appeared that a sharp force instrument had been used. The professor had been running with her dogs when the attack occurred.
“Kiesel Park is one of those places that’s frequented by veterinary students, all the students at Auburn, not just the veterinary school, but was always considered to be a safe space,” former student and friend, Destinee Bearden Patterson, said.
“The safety is now being questioned.”
On Sunday, at around 8:30 a.m., police responded to a suspicious person call at an area around four miles away from the park. Responding officers found Dabney and, while speaking to him, had reason to believe he was connected to the murder.
“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.
“Julie Gard Schnuelle, DVM, Ph. D., was a beloved member of the Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Auburn Family,” the statement reads. “She served as a faculty member in the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Large Animal/Food Animal section from 2003 to 2021, when she retired as a professor emerita.”
“The Auburn Police Department is leading the investigation, and all questions should be referred to them,” the statement continues. “Auburn sends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Gard Schnuelle during this unimaginably difficult time.”
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Auburn University
