Wisconsin Couple Found Dead in Illinois Days Before First Anniversary; Authorities Investigate Possible Murder-Suicide
A Wisconsin couple who had been married less than a year were found dead inside a car in northern Illinois just days before their first wedding anniversary, in what authorities are investigating as a possible murder-suicide.
The Harvard Police Department identified the victims as 29-year-old Rachel Noel Dumovich and 30-year-old Brandon Peter Dumovich, both from Sharon, Wisconsin.
Their bodies were discovered on Oct. 6 in a vehicle stopped along Route 14 in Harvard, Illinois. An officer who noticed the car’s hazard lights flashing initially thought it was disabled and found both occupants deceased upon checking.
Authorities said each had a single gunshot wound, and a firearm was recovered at the scene. Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman told Fox News Digital that while a murder-suicide is a potential scenario, no final determination has been made.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office is conducting autopsies and toxicology tests, with support from the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) for forensic analysis. Officials emphasized there is no current threat to the public.
The couple, who became engaged in 2023, were just a week away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the McHenry County Coroner’s Office and the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) for further details.
The Dumoviches’ story of love began long before their wedding day. They first met as middle school classmates, with Rachel recalling on The Knot wedding website how she caught Brandon’s attention by “stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it.”
As adults, they reconnected and began dating in 2022. In the summer of 2023, Brandon proposed at Big Cedar Lake near Slinger, Wisconsin—a location with special significance to Rachel and her family.
The couple exchanged vows on October 12, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Those close to them described Rachel and Brandon as inseparable, sharing a passion for travel, the outdoors, and quiet evenings with their two dogs, Dash and Cedar.
Friends and relatives described Rachel and Brandon as inseparable, sharing a love for travel, the outdoors, and quiet evenings together.
According to her obituary, Rachel earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee after high school. 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 attained the rank of petty officer. Outside of the military, he enjoyed RC flying, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431, or provide information anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at (815) 943-4343 or via email at crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org.
Those struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis can call 1-888-NYC-WELL in New York City for free, confidential support. For individuals outside the five boroughs, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available at 988 or online at SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
