Wisconsin Couple Found Dead in Illinois Car Ruled Murder-Suicide Days Before First Anniversary
HARVARD, ILLINOIS — The deaths of a Wisconsin couple found in a parked vehicle in northern Illinois last month have been officially ruled a murder-suicide, according to investigators with the Harvard Police Department and McHenry County Coroner’s Office.
Police identified the deceased as Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, both of Sharon, Wisconsin. Authorities said the two were discovered on October 6, 2025, inside a vehicle with its hazard lights flashing along a roadway in Harvard, Illinois — just across the Wisconsin border.
Police Discovery and Findings
A responding Harvard police officer found the couple unresponsive inside the car and requested immediate medical assistance. An autopsy later determined that both had died from gunshot wounds to the head, and investigators located a firearm inside the vehicle.
On November 13, officials confirmed that their findings indicated Brandon Dumovich fatally shot his wife, Rachel Dumovich, before turning the gun on himself. Authorities have not released further details about the motive.
Couple Married Less Than a Year
According to their wedding website on The Knot, the Dumoviches were married on October 12, 2024, and were just days away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary when they were found deceased.
The site also reveals that the couple had known each other for 15 years before beginning their relationship in 2022. They were engaged the following summer and described their journey as “a friendship that turned into forever.”
Community in Shock
The news of the couple’s deaths has left the Sharon and Harvard communities stunned, as both were well-known among friends and family. Social media posts from those close to them have expressed grief and disbelief over the tragedy.
Residents described Rachel as “kind-hearted and always smiling,” while Brandon was remembered as “a hardworking and loyal friend.”
Police Continue to Review Case
The Harvard Police Department said the investigation remains closed pending final documentation from the coroner’s office but reiterated there was no sign of foul play beyond the domestic incident.
Officials encourage anyone facing emotional distress or relationship crises to seek help through local counseling resources or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233).
For continuing updates on Illinois-area cases and safety reports, follow chicagomusicguide.com for verified regional news.