HARVARD, Ill. — Authorities have identified the two individuals found dead inside a parked vehicle late Monday night in the north suburban community of Harvard, Illinois, as Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, both residents of Sharon, Wisconsin. The discovery has sparked a multi-agency investigation and raised questions about the events leading up to the couple’s tragic deaths.
According to the Harvard Police Department, the incident unfolded just before midnight on Monday, October 6, 2025, when officers on patrol noticed a vehicle stopped in the northbound lane of North Division Street (Route 14) with its hazard lights flashing. Upon approaching the car at approximately 11:52 p.m., officers found a woman in the driver’s seat and a man in the passenger’s seat, both unresponsive.
Authorities confirmed that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation revealed that each appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds, and a firearm was recovered inside the vehicle.
In response to the discovery, nearby roadways were temporarily shut down, and residents in the area received shelter-in-place alerts as investigators worked to secure the scene and ensure there were no ongoing threats to public safety.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office later identified the victims as Rachel and Brandon Dumovich. Autopsies have been scheduled for Thursday, though officials have not yet released an official cause or manner of death pending further investigation and toxicology results.
The McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team (MIAT), a regional task force that assists local law enforcement agencies with complex cases, has been activated to support the investigation. Detectives from multiple jurisdictions, including the Harvard Police Department and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, are working together to piece together the timeline of events and determine what led to the couple’s deaths.
Authorities have not indicated whether the incident is being treated as a murder-suicide or if there is any evidence of foul play by a third party. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the area, interviewing potential witnesses, and tracing the ownership and history of the recovered firearm.
Residents who live near the scene reported seeing emergency vehicles flood the area late Monday night. One local business owner described the situation as “unsettling,” noting that the flashing police lights and blocked roads created a sense of unease throughout the quiet community.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no additional details have been released, and officials continue to urge patience as the investigation proceeds.
“Our thoughts are with the families of Rachel and Brandon during this incredibly difficult time,” the Harvard Police Department said in a brief statement. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.”
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Harvard Police Department or the McHenry County MIAT tip line.