Tragically, a couple from Wisconsin, who had been married for less than a year, was found deceased inside their vehicle in northern Illinois just days shy of their first wedding anniversary, leading authorities to investigate a possible murder-suicide.
According to the Harvard Police Department, the deceased have been identified as Rachel Noel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Peter Dumovich, 30, from Sharon, Wisconsin.
Their bodies were uncovered on October 6 in a car parked along Route 14 in Harvard, Illinois.
An officer suspected the car was malfunctioning after noticing its hazard lights were on, and upon inspection, discovered both individuals unresponsive.
Each had sustained a single gunshot wound, and a firearm was located at the scene, officials reported.
Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman confirmed to Fox News Digital that the investigation is still in progress: “While a murder-suicide is a potential scenario, no conclusive determination has been reached.”
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office is conducting autopsies along with toxicology tests, supported by the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) in forensic examination. Authorities indicated there is currently no risk to the public.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the McHenry County Coroner’s Office and MIAT for more details.
The love story of the Dumoviches dated back well before their wedding.
The pair first met as middle school classmates; Rachel recalled on The Knot wedding website that she caught Brandon’s interest by “taking cologne from his locker and running away with it.”
They reconnected in adulthood and began dating in 2022. In summer 2023, Brandon proposed at Big Cedar Lake near Slinger, Wisconsin, a location that held special significance for Rachel and her family.
On October 12, 2024, the couple exchanged vows in front of their friends and family.
Those close to them described Rachel and Brandon as inseparable partners who shared a passion for traveling, outdoor adventures, and cozy evenings with their two dogs, Dash and Cedar.
As detailed in her obituary, after graduating high school, Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, graduating cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
In her professional life, she had developed a career in human resources, recently serving as the human resources manager for Climate Pros, LLC.
Brandon had a background in the US Navy, achieving the rank of petty officer. Outside of his military service, he loved activities such as RC flying, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431 or provide tips anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at (815) 943-4343 or through email at crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or facing a mental health crisis, please contact 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling in New York City. For those outside the five boroughs, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline can be reached at 988 or by visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
