Investigators Reveal Horrific Final Moments of Auburn Professor Killed While Walking Dog By Liam Quinn

The retired Auburn University professor who was killed while walking her dog in a park was reportedly dragged and stabbed to death before her car was stolen.

Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was found dead in a wooded area of Kiesel Park in Auburn, Ala. on Sept. 6, the Auburn Police Department said.

AL.com reported that Schnuelle was walking her dog at the time of the fatal assault and ran regularly in the park.

Harold Rashad Dabney III was arrested in connection with Schnuelle’s death, police said. The department alleged that Dabney killed the victim and then stole her red Ford F-150, which was later found.

According to charging documents obtained by PEOPLE, Dabney is charged with capital murder during a kidnapping and capital murder during a robbery.

Citing investigators, WRBL reported that Dabney allegedly ambushed Schnuelle on a park trail, dragged her into the woods and fatally stabbed her.

Dabney has not yet entered a plea and is due back in court in October. He is currently being held without bond.

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Schnuelle was a veterinarian and retired as a professor at Auburn in 2021, according to the university’s website.

“Julie Gard Schnuelle, DVM, Ph.D., was a beloved member of the Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Auburn Family,” the university said in a statement reported by the Montgomery Advertiser. “Auburn sends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Gard Schnuelle during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Schnuelle had been a professor in the school’s Department of Clinical Sciences, in the Large Animal/Food Animal section.