Funeral arrangements made for retired Auburn professor stabbed to death in park in east Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Funeral arrangement have been announced for a retired professor at Auburn University who was stabbed to death while walking her dog in a park last weekend.

Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was found dead in the woods outside Kiesel Park in Auburn. An autopsy later showed that she had been stabbed to death. She had been a professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences, in the Large Animal/Food Animal at AU’s College of Veterinary Medicine before retiring in 2021.

Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, was subsequently arrested and charged with her murder.

“Julie was a devoted Mother/Wife/Daughter/Friend/Sister and a brilliant veterinarian whose compassion knew no bounds,” Schnuelle’s son, Tyler, wrote on Facebook Wednesday. “We are still grappling with this unimaginable reality and ask for your prayers, love, and understanding as we navigate our grief. Your respect for our privacy is deeply appreciated.”

A memorial service will be held Saturday at First Baptist Church on South 8th Street in Opelika. The service will start at 12:30 p.m. with visitation happening at 3:30 p.m.

The Julie Gard Schnuelle Annual Scholarship Fund has been established in her honor, which will go toward the College of Veterinary Medicine. To donate, click here.