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Authorities in Illinois have concluded that the tragic demise of a recently married couple was the result of a murder-suicide. The couple was discovered lifeless in their vehicle on October 6.

According to earlier reports, Rachel Dumovich, aged 29, and her husband Brandon Dumovich, aged 30, were found by a police officer who noticed a car with its hazard lights flashing along Route 14 in Harvard, Illinois. Upon inspection, the officer found both individuals deceased inside the car.

The Harvard Police Department announced on Thursday that their investigation has determined the incident to be a murder-suicide. Evidence suggests that Brandon fatally shot Rachel before turning the gun on himself.

A spokesperson from the coroner’s office informed Fox News Digital that both Rachel and Brandon succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head.

Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, got married in October 2024. (The Knot/Rachel Dumovich)

Police initially said both people had gunshot wounds, adding a gun was found inside the car. The McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team was activated for the incident.

While police told nearby residents to shelter in place after finding the dead couple, it was “later determined there was no ongoing threat to the community.”

According to her obituary, Rachel Noel Dumovich, 29, loved ones described her as a loyal friend who loved cooking, fashion, decorating and spending time by the water. (DeFiore Funeral Home)

A wedding page made by Rachel on The Knot described the pair as “middle school sweethearts.”

Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich were found dead less than one week before their wedding anniversary. (Facebook/Rachel Dumovich)

Rachel described that she met Brandon in middle school when she was 12 years old and caught his attention by “stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it.”

The two stayed in “touch through many life stages and 15 years of friendship,” Rachel wrote, sharing that they began dating in 2022.

Brandon wound up proposing in the summer of 2023 at Big Cedar Lake near Slinger, Wisconsin, where the pair eventually got married on Oct. 12, 2024.

“We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our love story surrounded by our friends and family!” Rachel wrote when she announced the wedding.

Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich met in middle school. (Facebook/Rachel Dumovich)

Just hours before the couple died, Rachel posted on Facebook: “Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece.” The social media post appeared to reference the couple’s honeymoon.

“Our thoughts remain with the families and all those affected by this tragedy,” the Harvard Police Department wrote on Thursday.