A suspected murderer is now facing the possibility of the death penalty after the tragic killing of a retired Auburn University professor, who was fatally stabbed in a park during a daytime walk with her pet.

Beloved veterinarian Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was found dead in a wooded area of Kiesel Park in Auburn, Alabama on Saturday afternoon.

According to a statement from Auburn police, as reported by Daily Mail, Schnuelle’s wounds were consistent with an attack using a sharp weapon, believed to be a knife. Fortunately, her dog was left unharmed.

Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in connection to Schnuelle’s slaying.

Warrants have not yet been released, but Dabney’s charges likely include murder during a robbery and murder during a kidnapping, according to WRBL.

Capital murder is defined as an intentional killing with ‘aggravating factors’ and is the most severe type of murder in Alabama.

The crime is a Class A felony and can result in a sentence of death or life imprisonment without parole. 

Dabney was arrested Sunday morning and taken to Lee County Jail, where he is being held without bond. 

Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, (pictured) tragically lost her life after being stabbed while walking her dog in a wooded section of the 124-acre Kiesel Park on a Saturday morning.

Schnuelle was killed in broad daylight near the 500 block of Chadwick Lane (pictured)

Schnuelle drove to Kiesel Park on Saturday morning for a routine walk with her dog when she was attacked in a wooded area of 124–acre public park.

Police descended on the park just after 2pm after a 911 caller reported finding her body near the 500 block of Chadwick Lane.

The coroner pronounced Schnuelle dead at the scene, with investigators alleging that her death was caused by an assault.

Her body has been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for a postmortem examination.

Dabney taken into custody Sunday morning in the 2300 block of Beehive Road by officers responding to reports of a suspicious person in the area.

Preliminary reports suggest he stole the veterinarian’s red Ford F-150 truck from the scene and later abandoned it near a pumpkin patch roughly five miles away.

The truck was recovered after Dabney’s arrest. Schnuelle’s dog was also found safe and is in the care of her loved ones.

Authorities have not said what led to the attack. It is also unclear if Dabney personally knew Schnuelle – who is understood to have visited the park daily – or if he targeted her at random.

Harold Rashad Dabney III, (pictured) 28, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in connection to Schnuelle’s slaying

Preliminary reports suggest Dabney stole the veterinarian’s red Ford F-150 truck (pictured) from the scene and later abandoned it near a pumpkin patch roughly five miles away. The truck was recovered after Dabney’s arrest

Schnuelle worked as a faculty member at Auburn University’s Department of Clinical Sciences from 2003 until her retirement in 2021. 

The university released a statement Sunday morning confirming Schnuelle’s death.

‘Julie Gard Schnuelle, DVM, Ph. D., was a beloved member of the Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Auburn Family,’ a school spokesperson said in a statement to WTVM.

‘Auburn sends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Gard Schnuelle during this unimaginably difficult time.’

The university noted the Auburn Police Department is ‘leading the investigation’ into Schnuelle’s death and referred all questions to the force.

The late veterinarian has been hailed for her ‘welcoming’ personality and dedication to her students.

‘She was spunky and ready to make jokes. But if she saw something she didn’t like, she would always stand up for you and for herself,’; her former student Dr. Ashley Rutter told AL.com.

‘She’d be there to defend you and help you out.’ 

Schnuelle is survived by her husband Archie and her children

Schnuelle (pictured, left) worked as a faculty member at Auburn University’s Department of Clinical Sciences from 2003 until her retirement in 2021

US Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, and his wife have offered their condolences to Schnuelle’s loved ones

US Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, and his wife also offered their condolences to Schnuelle’s loved ones.

‘Suzanne and I are devastated by the news of this tragic loss in our community,’ he wrote on X. ‘We are praying for the victim’s family and loved ones and for justice to be served.’ 

Schnuelle is survived by her husband Archie, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and her children.

Gadsden State Police Department issued a statement Sunday saying: ‘We are keeping Archie and his family in our prayers as they navigate this difficult time.’