The Wisconsin newlyweds discovered dead along an Illinois roadside just days before their first anniversary were victims of a murder-suicide, officials said.
Investigators determined that Brandon Dumovich shot his wife, Rachel, before taking his own life inside their vehicle in northern Illinois on Oct. 6, according to a statement released Thursday by the Harvard Police Department.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” the department said.
Brandon and Rachel Dumovich were discovered dead inside their vehicle in Harvard, Illinois, on Oct. 6, 2025.
Two weeks later, the McHenry County Coroner’s Office determined the couple had died from gunshot wounds to the head, though investigators did not publicly share their conclusions until this week.
The bodies were found after a Harvard police officer noticed a car pulled over with its hazard lights flashing along U.S. Highway 14 near Burbank Street. A firearm was located inside the vehicle next to the couple.
Authorities have not identified a motive for the fatal shooting.
“Although the investigation is still ongoing as detectives finish reviewing all evidence and reports, this has been classified as an isolated event, with no indication of any continuing threat to the community,” the department said.
Rachel Dumovich, 29, met her future husband, Brandon, when they were both 12, proudly calling themselves “middle school sweethearts,” according to their wedding page on The Knot. She joked that she first caught his eye by swiping cologne from his locker and running off with it.
The two remained connected “through many life stages and 15 years of friendship,” Rachel wrote, eventually beginning a relationship in 2022.
Brandon proposed the following summer at Big Cedar Lake near Slinger, Wisconsin — the same place where the couple would later exchange vows on Oct. 12, 2024.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office determined that both Brandon and Rachel Dumovich died from gunshot wounds to the head.
“We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our love story surrounded by our friends and family!” Rachel had written while announcing their wedding plans.
According to her obituary, Rachel graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and later worked as a human resources manager at Climate Pros, LLC.
Brandon, a U.S. Navy Petty Officer, died just one day after celebrating his 30th birthday, his obituary noted.
Only hours before her death, Rachel posted on Facebook: “Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece,” a message believed to reference the couple’s honeymoon.
With Post wires
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential support. If you’re elsewhere in the U.S., you can reach the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline by dialing 988 or visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
