Police say man killed retired Auburn University professor at a public park

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AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — A retired veterinary professor at Auburn University was killed over the weekend while walking her dog at a popular park in Auburn, Alabama, authorities said.

Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was attacked and killed Saturday morning in Kiesel Park, located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from campus, according to the Auburn Police Department. She had gone to the park to walk her dog, WRBL reported.

The sprawling park has a popular dog park and 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of walking trails.

Police said Gard Schnuelle's body was found in a wooded area within the park and that her red Ford F-150 truck was missing.

Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton told The Associated Press that Gard Schnuelle died from multiple sharp force injuries.

Police on Sunday arrested Harold Rashad Dabney III and charged him with two counts of capital murder. Court documents indicated investigators believe Dabney killed Gard Schnuelle during an attempted kidnapping and theft. He is being held without bond.

Police did not immediately indicate what led them to Dabney other than to say they responded to a report of a suspicious person and officers made observations that “led them to believe Dabney had involvement with the homicide.”

Andrew Stanley, a defense attorney appointed to represent Dabney, declined to comment Monday, noting they were in the early stages of the case.

Gard Schnuelle, a large animal veterinarian, was a 1996 graduate of the veterinary school and was a faculty member from 2003 until her retirement in 2021, serving as a professor of theriogenology. She had recently served as Area Veterinarian in Charge with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Alabama and Mississippi. She remained active with the veterinary school even after her retirement.

“Dr. Gard Schnuelle was a beloved educator, mentor, researcher and colleague whose passion for teaching, dedication to students, and commitment to theriogenology earned the respect and admiration of all who knew her,” Auburn University said in a statement.

“Dr. Gard Schnuelle’s legacy of compassion, scholarship and service will continue to inspire generations of veterinarians,” the statement also read.

Gard Schunuelle’s dog was found safe and returned to her family, WRBL reported.

Flowers were placed at the gate to the popular park as a memorial. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said there is both anger and a “profound sadness” in the community.

“Her death through a violent crime at a location that so many enjoy and felt safe in has devastated all who knew her and the community as a whole,” Jones said.