The coroner announced autopsies showed a newlywed couple, originally from Crystal Lake, had both been shot in the head before they were found dead in a stopped car in the roadway in Harvard.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein said Wednesday that autopsies were performed on Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, both of Sharon, Wisconsin.
The preliminary findings showed that they died as a result of gunshot wounds to the head, Rein said.
The manner of death for both of them has not been officially ruled.
Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman said an officer with the Harvard Police Department was on patrol around 11:52 p.m. on October 6.
The officer spotted a parked vehicle in the 700 block of Division Street, also known as Route 14.
The car had its hazard lights activated and was stopped in the northbound lane near Burbank Street, Bauman said.
The officer approached to investigate what they believed to be a motorist assist.
Bauman said the officer discovered that Rachel Dumovich, the driver, and Brandon Dumovich, the passenger, were both dead inside the car.
The Harvard Fire Protection District was dispatched to the scene and it was relayed that one of the subjects had possibly shot themselves and was still in possession of a gun.
Bauman said a firearm was recovered inside the car.
The McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team (MIAT), which is comprised of over a dozen investigators from law enforcement agencies, as well as the coroner’s office and state’s attorney’s office, was activated to respond.
Route 14 was shut down between Diggins Street, also known as Route 173, and McKinley Street to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, Bauman said.
Motorists were asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes as MIAT conducted an investigation.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said in an alert that heavy police activity was in the area due to the incident.
An alert from the Harvard Police Department told residents to “use caution, remain sheltered and avoid the area” and a subsequent alert said the activity concluded around 7:30 a.m. the following day.
Bauman said that while “murder-suicide” is a potential scenario, no final determination has been made and the case remains under active investigation.
The Harvard Police Department said in an update Tuesday that they continue to work with MIAT in “diligently” investigating the “tragic incident.”
“Our thoughts remain with the families and all those affected as the investigation moves forward,” Bauman said.
Investigators are awaiting the McHenry County Coroner’s Office’s final report, as well as the review and processing of additional evidentiary items.
“At this time, this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no evidence to suggest that there is any danger or threat to the public. The department remains committed to keeping the community informed and will provide updates as the investigation allows. The department appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as the investigative process continues,” Bauman said.
Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich got married less than a year ago on October 12.
A wedding event site said the couple met in middle school at 12 years old. The couple is originally from Crystal Lake.
“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,” Rachel Dumovich said on the site.
An obituary for Rachel Dumovich said she graduated in 2014 from Crystal Lake South High School where she was a two-sport varsity athlete in cheerleading and track.
She later obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2018. She later worked in human resources.
“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 said.
“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,” the obituary added.
A visitation is scheduled for Rachel Dumovich for Friday from 2-6 p.m. at Light of Christ Church in Algonquin followed immediately by a memorial service at 6 p.m.
An obituary for Brandon Dumovich said he 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,” the obituary said.
“Brandon’s infectious smile and sharp sense of humor had a way of lighting up any room. He had an extraordinary ability to lift spirits and bring people together. Family was always at the heart of everything he did; it was his anchor and greatest source of pride,” the obituary added.
A private memorial service will take place at an undisclosed date. His obituary also said, “We ask for your prayers and gentle understanding as we take this time to heal our hearts and rest in God’s unconditional love.”
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Harvard Police Department at 815-943-4431 or anonymously call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 815-943-4343 or email them at [email protected].