What began as an ordinary Saturday stroll in Auburn’s Kiesel Park ended in a tragedy that has shaken the entire community. Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a respected veterinarian and professor emerita at Auburn University, was out walking her dog when she was brutally attacked. The park, usually a place of laughter, family picnics, and dog walkers, suddenly became the scene of an unimaginable crime. Neighbors describe the loss as a devastating blow not only to the university but to Auburn as a whole, where Dr. Schnuelle was admired for both her brilliance and her kindness.
Authorities confirmed that police discovered Dr. Schnuelle’s body in a wooded area of the park after a distress call. Her injuries indicated she had been attacked with a sharp object, leaving investigators to treat the case as a homicide. Though her dog was found unharmed, the shocking violence has left residents questioning the safety of a space once cherished as a community gathering point. By the next morning, a suspect was already in custody, thanks to a swift response and coordination across multiple law enforcement agencies.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III, was arrested just miles away after officers responded to reports of suspicious activity. He now faces two counts of capital murder, with authorities alleging he not only attacked Dr. Schnuelle but also abducted her and stole her vehicle, later abandoned nearby. Investigators continue to probe his connections to Auburn and whether the attack was targeted or random. For now, Auburn Police are urging residents to avoid Kiesel Park while the investigation remains active.
As Auburn mourns, tributes to Dr. Schnuelle highlight a life of service, scholarship, and compassion. She retired in 2021 after nearly two decades at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she inspired generations of students and cared deeply for both animals and people. Friends, colleagues, and former students remember her as a “bright light” whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. The community now grieves not only the loss of a brilliant professional but also a beloved wife, mentor, and friend — a reminder of how one act of senseless violence can leave ripples of heartbreak across an entire city.