A retired Auburn University veterinary professor, Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was fatally attacked on Saturday morning while walking her dog in Kiesel Park, a popular local dog park near Auburn, Alabama . Her body was discovered in a wooded section of the park, and authorities confirmed she succumbed to multiple sharp-force injuries . Her loyal dog was found unharmed and safely returned to her family

The following day, investigators arrested Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, charging him with two counts of capital murder connected to an apparent attempted kidnapping and theft. Schnuelle’s red Ford F‑150 — reported missing from the scene — was recovered  Dabney is being held without bond

In their statement, Auburn University mourned Dr. Gard Schnuelle, who retired in 2021 and served as a dedicated educator and veterinarian, specializing in large and food animal medicine. Respected as a compassionate mentor and scholar, her loss has deeply impacted the veterinary and university communities