Authorities in Illinois have revealed the cause of death for a newlywed couple found in their car just days before their wedding anniversary.
On October 6, police in Harvard encountered a parked car with its hazard lights activated. Upon investigation, officers discovered both individuals inside had died.
They were later identified as 29-year-old Rachel Dumovich and 30-year-old Brandon Dumovich, residents of Sharon, Wisconsin, according to a representative from the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.
Preliminary results suggest that both died from gunshot wounds to the head. Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman indicated the investigation is still active, mentioning that it could be a murder-suicide, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
The complete autopsy results from the medical examiner are still pending. Initial reports from police indicated that a gun was found inside the vehicle, and the McHenry County Major Investigation Support Team has been assembled for this case.
Following the discovery, authorities advised local residents to shelter in place, but later determined there was no ongoing threat to the community.
According to Rachel’s wedding page on The Knot, the couple had been together since middle school.
Rachel recounted a playful moment when she first met Brandon at age 12, describing how she stole cologne from his locker and made a run for it. They maintained contact throughout various stages of life, developing a friendship over 15 years before officially starting to date in 2022.
Brandon proposed in summer 2023 at Big Cedar Lake in Wisconsin, and they were married on October 12, 2024.
Hours before their tragic end, Rachel shared a Facebook post reflecting on her honeymoon in Greece, saying, “Forever chasing the sunset. I wish I could go back to Greece.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431 or submit tips anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at (815) 943-4343.
