The family of slain retired Auburn professor Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle issued a statement to the public through the Lee County District Attorney’s office today. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Julie Gard Schnuelle. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support our family has received. Julie lived a life full of love and service to others and will be truly missed. We know that her legacy will have a positive influence for generations to come.”
Dr. Schnuelle was stabbed to death while walking her dog at Kiesel Park in Auburn Saturday morning. Harold Rashad Dabney III was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder for the death of Schnuelle. Dabney allegedly stabbed Schnuelle before taking her keys and driving off in her Ford truck. Auburn police arrested Dabney less than 24 hours after the murder. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October.
The murder made national news this week and the family is asking for privacy. The District Attorney said the Schnuelle family is respectfully asking not to be contacted by any news media or other third parties.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Opelika, Alabama on Saturday, September 13, 2025. A visitation period will follow the service until 3:30 p.m. at the church.
The Julie Gard Schnuelle Annual Scholarship Fund has been established at Auburn University’s College of Beterinary Medicine in her honor according to her obituary.
