Retired Auburn professor Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was killed while walking her dog in Kiesel Park. A suspect has been arrested. The tragedy follows the recent murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.
The Auburn community is in mourning after the shocking murder of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a respected retired Auburn University professor, who was attacked and killed while walking her dog in Kiesel Park on September 6, 2025.
The 59-year-old veterinarian, known for her compassion, brilliance, and love for animals, was found dead in a wooded area of the park — a place she often visited for peaceful walks.
A Walk That Turned Deadly
Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle Obituary, Death; Auburn vet professor found dead in park after fatal assault. Authorities have identified the woman found dead in Kiesel Park as Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a longtime Auburn University professor… https://t.co/54ayJjsRhV pic.twitter.com/2AhMvf00YZ
— Merradon (@merradonnews) September 7, 2025
According to police, officers responded to a call around 2:07 p.m. in the 500 block of Chadwick Lane, where they discovered Dr. Schnuelle’s body. Investigators confirmed she died from stab wounds caused by a sharp object.
Her dog, found unharmed, was safely returned to her family.
Alabama lawmakers urge ‘justice’ in slaying of retired Auburn University professor Dr. Julie Gard Schnuellehttps://t.co/AeZE0KJhJD pic.twitter.com/iLYlIiyaNa
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 10, 2025
Kiesel Park — usually home to family gatherings, weddings, and concerts — has now become a crime scene, leaving Auburn residents shaken and heartbroken.
Suspect Arrested the Next Morning
Remembering Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle – the retired veterinary professor who was stabbed to death while walking her dog in Auburn, Alabama. Senseless. pic.twitter.com/h4cjTVfC5s
— CB Cotton (@CB_Cotton) September 9, 2025
Less than 24 hours later, police arrested Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, after suspicious behavior was reported near Beehive Road. Evidence quickly connected him to the attack.
Police have charged Harold Rashad Dabney with capital murder after 59-year-old mother Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was found hacked to death in a park in Auburn, Alabama, where she was walking her dog.
The killer stole her truck but left her puppy, who was found guarding her… pic.twitter.com/MR4r7qmu5v
— AF Post (@AFpost) September 10, 2025
Dabney is now facing two counts of capital murder, with prosecutors citing multiple aggravating circumstances, including kidnapping and robbery. Authorities allege he abducted Dr. Schnuelle and stole her red Ford F-150, later found abandoned near Wire Road.
KILLED: Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a 59-year-old Auburn University professor emerita, was killed Saturday in Kiesel Park while walking her dog. Authorities said her injuries were consistent with a sharp instrument, and 28-year-old American citizen Harold Rashad Dabney III of… pic.twitter.com/dBViJ4wEKK
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) September 8, 2025
The arrest was the result of a massive multi-agency manhunt, involving local police, the FBI, and several state agencies. Investigators are still determining whether Dabney knew the victim or if the attack was random.
Auburn Mourns a Beloved Professor
Dr Julie Gard Schnuelle, stabbed to death in broad daylight while walking her dog at the park. pic.twitter.com/Od6VBPJXwX
— Patriot Queen (@QnPatriot) September 8, 2025
Dr. Schnuelle was a professor emerita at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she specialized in large animal reproduction. She worked at the university from 2003 until her retirement in 2021.
Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle Obituary, Death; Auburn vet professor found dead in park after fatal assault. Authorities have identified the woman found dead in Kiesel Park as Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a longtime Auburn University professor… https://t.co/54ayJjsRhV pic.twitter.com/8kcb5rxkpx
— Merradon (@merradonnews) September 7, 2025
The university released a statement calling her a “cherished educator, mentor, and colleague” whose compassion and dedication left a lasting impact.
Former students and colleagues described her as “brilliant, kind, and deeply dedicated to her students and patients.” Many remembered her as a mentor who not only excelled in science but also cared deeply about people.
🚨 There is currently a heavy first responder presence at Kiesel Park. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/9bgHElu2nc
— Auburn Public Safety (@COAPublicSafety) September 6, 2025
Friends have described her as a “bright light” who will be missed terribly.
Another Tragedy: Ukrainian Refugee Murdered in Charlotte
Dr. Schnuelle’s murder comes just weeks after another high-profile tragedy shocked the nation. On August 22, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Zarutska, who came to the U.S. in 2022 to escape war, was randomly attacked by Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, a repeat violent offender. She died on the train despite efforts by passengers to save her.
Brown has been charged with first-degree murder and faces the death penalty under federal charges for causing death on public transportation.
Zarutska, an artist and aspiring veterinary assistant, was remembered for her creativity, kindness, and love of animals. Her family buried her in Charlotte without her father, who was unable to leave Ukraine due to wartime restrictions.
A Chilling Reminder
Two women — a professor in Alabama and a refugee in North Carolina — were taken in senseless acts of violence just weeks apart. Their deaths are a chilling reminder that no place feels truly safe, whether in a park or on public transit.
The tragedy of Iryna Zarutska’s death in Charlotte is the result of decades of Democrat DAs and Sheriffs putting their woke agendas above public safety.
Violent criminals commit crimes with impunity, while families live in fear. #ncpol pic.twitter.com/QNIGSVP0HZ
— Rep. Brenden Jones (@BrendenJonesNC) September 6, 2025
Communities in both Auburn and Charlotte continue to grieve, united in shock, anger, and sorrow.
At this time, authorities urge anyone with information related to Dr. Schnuelle’s case to contact the Auburn Police Division at 334-501-3140 or the tip line at 334-246-1391.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families of both Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle and Iryna Zarutska. May their memories live on.
