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A couple from Wisconsin, who had been wed for less than a year, were found deceased in a car in northern Illinois, only a few days shy of their first wedding anniversary. Authorities are currently investigating the possibility of a murder-suicide in this case.
The Harvard Police Department said the victims are Rachel Noel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Peter Dumovich, 30, of Sharon, Wisconsin.
Their bodies were discovered on October 6 in a car parked along Route 14 in Harvard, Illinois. A police officer noticed the car’s hazard lights and approached, initially believing the vehicle was broken down, only to find the couple dead inside.
Each had a single gunshot wound, and a gun was recovered at the scene, authorities say.
Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich were less than one week before their wedding anniversary. (Facebook/Rachel Dumovich)
Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman informed Fox News Digital that the investigation is still in progress. He stated, “A murder-suicide is one angle we are considering, but no conclusions have been reached yet.”
Autopsies and toxicology tests are being conducted by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office, and the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) is aiding Harvard police in forensic work. Authorities assure that there’s no ongoing threat to public safety. Fox News Digital is waiting for further details from the McHenry County Coroner’s Office and MIAT.
Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, got married in October 2024. (The Knot/Rachel Dumovich)
The love story of the Dumoviches traces back to their middle school days. Rachel recounted on The Knot wedding platform how she gained his notice by “snatching cologne from his locker and playfully escaping with it.”
They reconnected as adults and began dating in 2022. In the summer of 2023, Brandon proposed on Big Cedar Lake near Slinger, Wisconsin, a place that held special meaning for Rachel and her family. The following year, on Oct. 12, 2024, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by loved ones.
Friends and relatives said Rachel and Brandon seemed inseparable and shared a love for travel, the outdoors and quiet evenings with their two dogs, Dash and Cedar.
According to her obituary, Rachel Noel Dumovich, 29, was described as a loyal friend who loved cooking, fashion, decorating and spending time by the water. (DeFiore Funeral Home)
According to her obituary, after high school, Rachel earned her bachelor of business administration, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Professionally, she built a career in human resources, most recently serving as human resources manager at Climate Pros, LLC.
Brandon served in the U.S. Navy, where he earned the rank of petty officer, according to his obituary. Outside the military, Brandon enjoyed RC flying, boating, snowmobiling, fishing and hunting.
According to his obituary, Brandon Peter Dumovich, 30, served as a petty officer in the U.S. Navy. (Davenport Family Funeral Homes)
People with any information are asked to contact the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431 or provide information anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at (815) 943-4343 or email crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org.
