Alabama Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Retired Auburn Professor Murder Suspect

Authorities in Alabama are seeking the death penalty for Harold Rashad Dabney III, accused of the fatal stabbing of Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired Auburn University veterinary professor. Schnuelle was attacked while walking her dog in Kiesel Park, where Dabney allegedly ambushed her, dragged her into the woods, and inflicted multiple stab wounds. Dabney then stole Schnuelle's red Ford F-150, which was later recovered near the crime scene. He was arrested after police responded to a report of a suspicious person nearby. The case has drawn attention from Alabama Republican senators, who have expressed condolences and called for justice as President Trump pushes for a nationwide crackdown on violent crime. Dabney appeared in court wearing a prison uniform, unable to afford an attorney, with a preliminary hearing scheduled to determine if the case will proceed to a grand jury.