A Quiet Park Walk Turned D3adly: The Tragedy That’s Breaking Hearts
She was a beloved professor, a tiny dynamo who lit up Auburn’s veterinary world. But one sunny morning at Kiesel Park, a routine dog walk ended in unthinkable horror. 💔 Why did this “pint-sized” hero meet such a brutal fate? And what’s the chilling truth behind the suspect now facing the d3ath penalty? This story will leave you stunned. Click to uncover the details that have Auburn reeling. 👉
On the morning of September 6, 2025, Kiesel Park in Auburn, Alabama, was its usual vibrant self. The 124-acre green space, with its winding trails and popular dog park, buzzed with joggers, families, and pet owners soaking in the late summer sun. Among them was Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a 59-year-old retired veterinary professor whose infectious energy and dedication to animal care had made her a beloved figure at Auburn University. Known affectionately as “Dr. Guard” for her fierce spirit despite her petite 5-foot-2 frame, she was out for a routine walk with her dog, a ritual she cherished almost daily. But that morning, a senseless act of violence would shatter the park’s tranquility and leave a community grappling with grief and disbelief.
Dr. Schnuelle was found dead in a wooded area of the park around 2:07 p.m., her body bearing wounds consistent with sharp force trauma, likely from a knife. Her red Ford F-150 truck was missing, and her unharmed dog remained by her side, a heartbreaking detail that underscored the brutality of the crime. The next day, Auburn police arrested 28-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III, a Montgomery resident, charging him with two counts of capital murder—one for robbery and one for kidnapping. As the investigation unfolds, the Auburn community mourns a woman described as a “bright light” while confronting unsettling questions about safety, justice, and the legacy of a remarkable educator.
The Crime: A Brutal Attack in a Safe Haven
Kiesel Park, located just five miles from Auburn University’s campus, is a cherished community space. Its 2.25-mile walking trail, historic Nunn-Winston House, and dog-friendly areas make it a go-to spot for students, faculty, and residents. For Dr. Schnuelle, it was a second home. Friends and former students told AL.com that she ran or walked her dog there almost daily, finding solace in the park’s peaceful paths. Her wedding had even been held there, a testament to its significance in her life. But on September 6, that sense of safety was shattered.
According to the Lee County Coroner, Daniel Sexton, Schnuelle’s injuries suggested a vicious attack with a sharp instrument. Preliminary reports indicate she was stabbed multiple times, though police have withheld specific details about the murder weapon or the exact sequence of events. Around 2:00 p.m., a passerby discovered her body in a wooded section of the park and called 911, prompting a swift response from Auburn police. The park was immediately closed, transforming from a community hub into a sprawling crime scene.
The theft of Schnuelle’s red Ford F-150 added another layer to the investigation. Police issued a lookout for the vehicle, which was recovered the following day on Wire Road, about five miles from the park. The breakthrough came Sunday morning when officers responded to a call about a suspicious person near Beehive Road, just off I-85. There, they encountered Dabney, whose appearance and behavior raised red flags. According to a police statement, “Officers in contact with Dabney made observations that led them to believe he had involvement with the homicide that occurred the previous day.” After further investigation, Dabney was arrested and charged, and he is now being held without bond at Lee County Jail.
The Victim: A Legacy of Compassion and Excellence
Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was no ordinary professor. A 1996 graduate of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, she earned her Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and became a board-certified theriogenologist, specializing in large animal reproduction, dairy production, and bovine embryology. From 2003 until her retirement in 2021, she served as a faculty member in the Department of Clinical Sciences’ Large Animal/Food Animal section, earning the title of professor emerita. Even after retiring, she remained active, working as the area veterinarian in charge for Alabama and Mississippi with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and teaching professional certification classes, including one in Birmingham just a month before her death.
Her impact on Auburn’s veterinary community was profound. “She was a force,” said former student Destinee Bearden Patterson in an AL.com interview. “She was only a little bit over 5-foot-2, not your typical large animal veterinarian. She was a bright, bright light, just an all-around wonderful human being that is going to be missed terribly.” Another former student, Dr. Ashley Rutter, described her as “spunky” and fiercely supportive, always ready to defend her students or call out injustice. “She ran there every day,” Rutter told AL.com, referring to Kiesel Park. “She was always so welcoming. But if she saw something she didn’t like, she would always stand up for you and for herself.”
Auburn University’s statement echoed these sentiments: “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. Her legacy of compassion, scholarship, and service will continue to inspire generations of veterinarians.” Social media tributes poured in, with students recalling her hands-on teaching style—guiding them through complex procedures like cow palpation—and her ability to make every student feel valued.
The Suspect: A Troubling Profile
Harold Rashad Dabney III, the 28-year-old charged with Schnuelle’s murder, remains an enigmatic figure. Little has been released about his background or motive, and it’s unclear whether he knew Schnuelle or if the attack was random. The capital murder charges—one tied to robbery for stealing her truck and another to kidnapping—suggest aggravating factors that could make Dabney eligible for the death penalty or life without parole under Alabama law. The Lee County District Attorney’s office has declined to comment on the case, and it’s unknown whether Dabney has secured legal representation.
The brazen nature of the crime—committed in broad daylight in a busy park—has left residents questioning how such a tragedy could occur in a place long considered safe. “Kiesel Park is one of those places that’s frequented by veterinary students, all the students at Auburn, not just the veterinary school, but was always considered to be a safe space,” Patterson told AL.com. “The safety is now being questioned.”
The Aftermath: A Community in Shock
The murder has reverberated far beyond Auburn’s borders. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a former Auburn football coach, expressed his grief on social media: “Suzanne and I are devastated by this tragic loss in our community. We are praying for the victim’s family and loved ones and for justice to be served.” The Auburn City Council has promised to review safety measures, including increased patrols, better lighting, and expanded security cameras. “We owe it to Julie’s memory to make this park safe again,” one council member told Yellowhammer News.
For the veterinary community, the loss is deeply personal. Dr. Allen Riley, a 1985 Auburn veterinary graduate, told AL.com he was in shock after Schnuelle’s recent visit to Birmingham to teach a certification class. “She was amazing,” he said, echoing the sentiments of countless colleagues and students. The fact that her dog was found unharmed, now in the care of her family, offers a small comfort amidst the grief.
A Broader Reflection: Safety and Justice
The murder of Dr. Schnuelle has sparked broader conversations about public safety and the unpredictability of violence. Kiesel Park, once a symbol of community and connection, now carries a shadow of fear. Residents have voiced concerns about walking alone, and veterinary students, who frequently use the park’s dog-friendly areas, are rethinking their routines. The tragedy also underscores the vulnerability of even the most routine activities, like walking a dog, in a world where random acts of violence can upend lives in an instant.
As the case heads to court, the focus remains on securing justice for Dr. Schnuelle. Her husband, Archie, and their children face an unimaginable loss, compounded by the public nature of the tragedy. The Auburn community, meanwhile, is left to reconcile the loss of a woman who embodied compassion and resilience with the harsh reality of her death.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle’s life was defined by her dedication to animals, students, and her community. Her death, while tragic, cannot erase the impact she had on generations of veterinarians. As Auburn mourns, her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched—through her teaching, her mentorship, and her unwavering spirit. The path to healing will be long, but for those who knew her, “Dr. Guard” will always be a guiding light.