Officials in Alabama revealed more details about the murder of a former Auburn University professor during a court hearing on Wednesday. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was found dead in a wooded area of Kiesel Park on September 6 with injuries consistent with an assault.
Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with her death. The court proceedings indicated that there is probable cause for the charges, and the case has been sent to a grand jury for further investigation. Investigators are still searching for the weapon used in the crime despite the presence of bloodstains and other evidence at the scene.
Police confirmed that Schnuelle was stabbed seven times with a bladed object during the attack, which resulted in severe injuries to her neck, chest, right hand, and forearm. Surveillance footage from the park’s parking lot captured Dabney attempting to locate her car before driving away with it at around 10:39 a.m. This footage is critical in establishing the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
Auburn University expressed its condolences to Schnuelle’s family and loved ones, highlighting her contributions as a prominent professor and her impact on the academic community. Former students shared memories of her vibrant personality, describing her as a supportive and approachable figure who was always ready to make jokes and stand up for others.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with ongoing efforts to locate the weapon and determine the full circumstances of the crime. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover any additional details that might shed light on the motive behind the murder.