Harold Dabney III Entered Insanity Plea in Murder Case
The 29-year-old suspect faces two capital murder charges regarding the 2025 death of Julie Gard Schnuelle.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Crime — General
Harold Dabney III has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in the 2025 murder of 59-year-old Julie Gard Schnuelle. The victim was discovered in a wooded area near Auburn’s Kiesel Park.
Why it matters
The plea shifts the legal focus to the defendant's mental health status at the time of the offense. Courts must now determine if the suspect can be held criminally responsible for the capital charges.
The suspect faces two counts of capital murder related to the death of the 59-year-old victim. A status conference has been scheduled for December 15, 2026.
The players
Harold Dabney III
He is a 29-year-old suspect currently facing two counts of capital murder.
Julie Gard Schnuelle
She was the 59-year-old victim discovered in a wooded area near Kiesel Park.
The details
Investigators connected Dabney to the crime after finding a bloody thumbprint on the victim's truck. Security footage and Flock Safety cameras helped police track the vehicle from Kiesel Park.
Timeline
Dabney was arrested in Virginia Beach in 2023.
Julie Gard Schnuelle was murdered on September 6, 2025.
A status conference is scheduled for December 15, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the established legal precedent of the M'Naghten Rule for determining criminal responsibility. Insanity pleas are subject to rigorous court evaluations that differ significantly from standard criminal defense strategies.
The legal proceedings are currently confined to the courtroom and do not require immediate changes to local security protocols. Residents should continue to follow official updates regarding the case schedule.
The takeaway
Defendants who enter a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect trigger a mandatory psychiatric evaluation process. This legal phase ensures that the defendant's mental capacity at the time of the crime is thoroughly assessed before trial proceeds.
What happens next
A status conference is set for December 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1819 News.
