A man behind bars for the weekend murder of an Auburn veterinary professor allegedly killed her for her truck, police said.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police arrested Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, Sunday and charged him with capital murder during a kidnapping and capital murder during a theft, 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 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.”
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.
On Monday, Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris no additional information will be provided at this time, as Dabney has not yet made his first court appearance.
He remains behind bars at the Lee County jail without bail.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ashley Rutter told Al.com that the park is a popular area for Auburn’s veterinary students. It’s where Schnuelle took daily jogs with her dogs.
“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,” Rutter said.
“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.
If you have additional information regarding the case, contact Auburn police at 334-501-3100. You can also submit tips through the tip line at 334-226-1391 or email at [email protected].
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[Feature Photo via Auburn University]
