Authorities in Illinois have disclosed the cause of death for a newlywed couple discovered in their vehicle just days prior to their wedding anniversary celebration.
Law enforcement in Harvard, Illinois, reported that the couple was found when an officer, on October 6, noticed a car parked with its hazard lights flashing.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, the officer discovered both individuals deceased.
The deceased were later identified as Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, from Sharon, Wisconsin, according to a spokesperson for the McHenry County Coroner’s Office speaking with Fox News Digital.
The coroner’s spokesperson revealed that initial findings indicated that both Rachel and Brandon suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
Police Chief Tyson Bauman from Harvard previously informed Fox News Digital that the investigation is ongoing, stating, “While a murder-suicide is a potential scenario, no definitive conclusion has been reached yet.”
Complete results from an autopsy performed by the coroner’s office have yet to be disclosed.
Authorities initially reported that both individuals had gunshot wounds and indicated that a firearm was found within the car. The McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team has been called in to assist with the investigation.
Though police advised nearby residents to stay indoors after the couple’s discovery, it was later confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the community.
A wedding page created by Rachel on The Knot described the couple as “middle school sweethearts.”
Rachel recounted their first encounter in middle school at the age of 12, where she captured Brandon’s attention by “stealing cologne from his locker and making a quick getaway.”
They maintained communication through various life stages over 15 years of friendship, with Rachel noting that they began dating in 2022.
Brandon proposed during the summer of 2023 at Big Cedar Lake near Slinger, Wisconsin, leading to their marriage on October 12, 2024.
“We can’t wait to embark on the next chapter of our love story surrounded by our friends and family!” Rachel expressed in a wedding announcement.
Hours ahead of her passing, Rachel shared on Facebook: “Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece,” which seemed to reference their honeymoon.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431 or provide tips anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at (815) 943-4343 or via email at crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten.
