Tragic End for Newlyweds Days Before Anniversary
A Wisconsin couple discovered fatally shot in their car in Harvard, Illinois, have been confirmed as a murder-suicide, according to authorities. Brandon Dumovich, 30, and his wife, Rachel, 29, were found by police late on October 6 with a gun inside the vehicle.
Autopsy Confirms Murder-Suicide
The McHenry County Coroner's Office has officially ruled that both individuals died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The Harvard Police Department stated on Thursday that their investigation concluded Brandon shot and killed Rachel before turning the gun on himself.
The couple's deaths came just days before what would have been their first wedding anniversary on October 12, 2024. According to their wedding website on The Knot, Rachel and Brandon met in middle school and maintained a friendship for 15 years before beginning their romantic relationship in 2022.
A Life Together Cut Short
On the day they were found, Rachel had updated her Facebook profile picture with a selfie of the couple. Minutes later, she posted another photo from a trip to Greece, captioned: 'Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece!'
Police discovered their bodies along Route 14, near North Division Street. Authorities have described the deaths as 'tragic' and confirmed the investigation remains ongoing, but stressed there is 'no indication of any ongoing threat to the community'.
Despite their long history and recent marriage, neither Rachel nor Brandon was mentioned in the other's obituary. Brandon, born in Barrington, Illinois, was remembered for his 'extraordinary ability to lift spirits and bring people together' in his obituary, which noted his service as a petty officer in the US Navy.
Rachel's obituary recalled the Highland Park, Illinois native as a 'natural connector, advocate, and loyal friend' with a 'strong sense of empathy, compassion, social justice, and fair play'. She was a 2018 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and had last worked as a human resources manager.
Her family held a visitation and memorial service on October 17, while Brandon's family indicated a private memorial would be planned at a later date.
The Harvard Police Department has urged anyone with information about the case to contact them directly at (815) 943-4431 or submit tips anonymously through Crimestoppers.
