More than a month after a newlywed couple was found dead inside a vehicle on the side of a suburban road, authorities have released new details about the “tragic” incident now deemed a murder-suicide.
“The Harvard Police Department, in conjunction with the McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team (MIAT) and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office, continues to investigate the tragic incident that occurred on Monday, October 6, 2025, in the 700 block of North Division Street (Route 14),” Harvard police wrote in a release issued Thursday. “Our thoughts remain with the families and all those affected by this tragedy.”
About 11:52 p.m. that evening, police in Harvard said they saw a vehicle in the 700 block of North Division Street parked in a northbound lane with its hazard lights on. Upon approaching, officers discovered a female driver and a male passenger, both of whom were deceased inside.
The McHenry County Coroner later identified the couple as 29-year-old Rachel Dumovich and 30-year-old Brandon Dumovich, both residents of Sharon, Wisconsin.
In October, a preliminary investigation from the McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team (MIAT), which was activated to investigate the incident, indicated the Brandon and Rachel “each sustained a gunshot wound” and that “a firearm was recovered inside the vehicle.”
Six weeks later, the Harvard Police Department said the shooting was a murder-suicide.
“The investigation indicates that Brandon Dumovich fatally shot Rachel Dumovich before taking his own life,” the Harvard police said.
Police added that the investigation remains active, and that the incident was isolated, with no ongoing threat to the community.
“Anyone with additional information on the case is asked to contact Harvard police at (815) 943-4431 or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (815) 943-4343 or crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org.” police said.
What we know about the couple
According to a now-removed wedding website, it appeared the young couple, who, but grew up in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, was just days away from celebrating their first anniversary.
Obituaries were released for both Rachel and Brandon Dumovich, though neither mentions the couple together.
Rachel Dumovich, who was born in Highland Park and graduated from Crystal Lake South High School in 2014, was described as a former cheerleader and track athlete who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2018.
“Known for her drive, ambition, and passion, Rachel was a natural connector, advocate, and loyal friend. She had a strong sense of empathy, compassion, social justice, and fair play, always championing those who needed a voice,” her obituary read. “With her exuberant spirit, quick wit, and unfiltered humor, she brought energy and laughter to every room she entered. Rachel loved her friends, family, traveling, fashion, decorating, cooking, and especially life at the lake.”
She worked as a human resources manager at Climate Pros, LLC.
A visitation and memorial service were held on Oct. 17 in Algonquin.
Brandon Dumovich, who grew up in Barrington, served as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy.
“His time in the military reflected his deep commitment to service and his enduring passion for helping others—a quality that remained central throughout his life,” his obituary read. “A man of many interests and boundless energy, Brandon found joy in all things motorized. Whether he was RC flying through open skies, boating across tranquil waters, snowmobiling through winter trails, or heading out for a day of fishing or hunting, he embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and skill. His love for animals was unwavering and spoke to his compassionate nature.”
His family said a private memorial service would be planned “at a later date.”
“We ask for your prayers and gentle understanding as we take this time to heal our hearts and rest in God’s unconditional love,” the family wrote.
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