Tragic Loss: Retired Auburn Professor Killed While Walking Her Dog

In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the Auburn community, Julie Gard Schnuelle, a 59-year-old retired Auburn University professor, was found dead in a wooded area of Kiesel Park on Saturday. Authorities believe she was ambushed while walking her dog, a daily routine for the beloved educator. According to police reports, Schnuelle suffered multiple sharp force injuries in what appears to have been a brutal attack. Harold Rashad Dabney III, 26, has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with her death. Police apprehended Dabney on Sunday morning after responding to a call about a “suspicious person,” and detectives quickly connected him to the homicide. Adding to the charges, authorities say Dabney also stole Schnuelle’s Ford F-150 pickup truck following the attack.

The investigation has revealed disturbing details about the crime. Detectives believe Dabney ambushed Schnuelle during her walk and dragged her hundreds of yards into the woods, where he repeatedly struck her with a sharp object. The Lee County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Schnuelle died from “multiple sharp force injuries.” This seemingly random act of violence has left the community struggling to understand how such a tragedy could occur in a park frequented by many Auburn residents and students. Ashley Rutter, a former student of Schnuelle’s, told local media that the professor visited Kiesel Park daily as part of her routine. “She ran there every day,” Rutter shared, highlighting how this familiar setting became the scene of an unthinkable crime.

Schnuelle had been a respected figure at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served as a professor from 2003 until her retirement in 2021. As a professor emerita, she had maintained connections with the university community even after stepping back from full-time teaching. Her area of expertise was theriogenology, a specialized field focusing on animal reproduction. Throughout her nearly two-decade career at Auburn, Schnuelle earned a reputation as not just an exceptional educator but also as a compassionate mentor who genuinely cared about her students’ success and well-being. Her colleagues remember her as someone who brought both academic rigor and personal warmth to her role at the university.

The Auburn University community has responded with profound grief to the news of Schnuelle’s death. In a statement, the university extended “sincere condolences to Gard Schnuelle’s family and loved ones for their tragic loss,” honoring her as “a cherished educator, mentor and colleague whose dedication to students and passion for theriogenology and veterinary medicine left a lasting impact on Auburn.” The statement went on to acknowledge that “Dr. Gard Schnuelle’s legacy of compassion, scholarship and service will continue to inspire generations of veterinarians.” These sentiments have been echoed across campus as students, faculty, and staff process the shocking loss of someone who contributed so meaningfully to the institution.

Those who knew Schnuelle personally have been sharing memories that paint a picture of a vibrant, principled individual who made a difference in countless lives. Former student Ashley Rutter described her as “spunky and ready to make jokes,” but also noted that she was someone who would “always stand up for you and for herself” when faced with something she didn’t approve of. This combination of warmth, humor, and moral courage seems to have defined Schnuelle’s approach to both her professional and personal life. Stories from other colleagues and students have emphasized her accessibility to students, her enthusiasm for teaching, and her genuine interest in helping others succeed in the challenging field of veterinary medicine.

The tragedy has sparked conversations about safety in public spaces and has left the Auburn community grappling with feelings of vulnerability and loss. As the legal process moves forward against the accused, many are reflecting on Schnuelle’s contributions and the senseless nature of her death. A woman who dedicated her life to healing and teaching met with violence while engaged in a simple, everyday activity—walking her dog in a park she loved. The contrast between her life of service and the circumstances of her death has deepened the community’s sense of grief. As Auburn University and the broader community mourn, many are finding comfort in remembering the positive impact Schnuelle had during her lifetime and committing to honoring her memory through continued dedication to the values she exemplified—compassion, scholarship, and standing up for what’s right.