Rachel and Brandon Dumovich were young newlyweds from Sharon, Wisconsin, who were found dead in mysterious circumstances inside a car in Harvard, Illinois.
Rachel had recently updated her Facebook page with a selfie showing the couple and a vacation photo, writing, "Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece!" The page is filled with wedding photos from June. His page says they got married in 2024, and it is filled with photos of him boating and with Rachel. They are both from Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Rachel's obituary says she is a former high school cheerleader who worked in human resources. It doesn't mention Brandon.
Brandon's obituary says he was in the U.S. Navy and loved motorized sports. It doesn't mention Rachel. "Family was always at the heart of everything he did; it was his anchor and greatest source of pride," it adds.
On Monday, October 6, at approximately 11:52 p.m., an officer of the Harvard Police Department "observed a parked vehicle in the 700 block of North Division Street (Route 14) with its hazard lights activated in the northbound lane," a press release from the Harvard Police Department says.
"Upon approaching to investigate the apparent motorist assist, the officer discovered a female driver (29 years old) and a male passenger (30 years old) deceased inside the vehicle. Both individuals were residents of Sharon, Wisconsin," the release adds.
According to Fox News, the gun was found inside the car.
"Brandon and I met in middle school at 12 years old. I caught Brandon’s attention by stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it. After keeping in touch through many life stages and 15 years of friendship, we started dating in 2022," reads a message on their wedding page on The Knot.
The McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team (MIAT) "was activated to investigate the incident. Preliminary investigation indicates the male and female each sustained a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered inside the vehicle," police added.
"An initial alert was issued to residents advising of a heavy police presence in the area and to remain sheltered in place. It was later determined there was no ongoing threat to the community, and a second alert was sent advising residents to avoid the area of Route 14 between McKinley Street and Blackman Street due to road closures," according to police.
"The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is 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 via email at crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org," the police wrote.
Friends remember Rachel on Facebook.
"Rachel Dumovich, your dash was too short. It wasn’t meant to be this way. But your time on earth was so beautiful: full of your strong voice, kind nature, silliness, appreciation of the little things, thoughtfulness, intelligence- I could go on and on. Your time on Earth has made such an impact on me and many others. We will continue to speak your name and carry your strength with us," wrote one.