Alabama man arrested for murder of retired veterinary professor

A man accused of killing retired Auburn University professor and mother Dr. Julee Gard Schnuelle is facing capital murder charges in Alabama, where prosecutors say they intend to pursue the death penalty.

Authorities allege that 28-year-old Rashad Dabney III attacked Schnuelle, 59, Sept. 6 as she walked her dog in Kiesel Park in Auburn, the New York Post reported. Court filings indicate she was forced off the main trail into a wooded area and stabbed multiple times. Her dog was later recovered unharmed nearby.

Investigators believe Dabney left the park in Schnuelle’s truck, which was discovered abandoned in a creek less than 5 miles away. He was arrested the following day after police received a call about a suspicious person not far from where the vehicle was found. 

Officials have said evidence from the scene links him to the killing, though they have not released specifics.

Dabney made his first court appearance in Lee County Sept. 8. He is charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with Schnuelle's death. Prosecutor Jessica Ventiere said her office intends to seek the death penalty.

USA Today reported that Schnuelle served in the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Large Animal/Food Animal section from 2003 until her retirement in 2021, when she was named professor emerita.

In a statement cited by WBRC 6 News, Auburn University described Schnuelle as “a cherished educator, mentor and colleague whose dedication to students and passion for theriogenology and veterinary medicine left a lasting impact on Auburn.”