A community is grieving after Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was killed while walking her dog in Kiesel Park, Auburn. The beloved Auburn University professor and veterinarian was attacked in broad daylight. Her dog survived unharmed.

Police arrested 28-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III, who is charged with two counts of capital murder. He remains in jail without bond. Authorities say he stole her red Ford F-150 truck after the attack, later abandoning it nearby.

Schnuelle worked at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 2003 until retiring in 2021. The school described her as “a beloved member of the Auburn Family”. One former student shared: “She was a bright light, small in stature but a true force in this world.”

Friends, students, and colleagues remember Schnuelle for her humor, kindness, and strength. She is survived by her husband, Archie, and their children. Her tragic death has shaken Auburn and raised questions about safety in public spaces. How can communities better protect people during their daily routines?