Six killed in Iowa shootings tied to domestic dispute

Six people were shot and killed Monday in Muscatine, Iowa, in a series of attacks that police said appeared to stem from a domestic dispute involving family members of the suspected gunman, who later died by suicide when officers found him on a riverfront trail.

The suspect was identified by the Muscatine Police Department as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine. Police said he was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after officers located him near a pedestrian bridge on the city’s riverfront trail.

“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said at a news conference, according to one source account.

Police were first called just after noon Monday to a home in Muscatine, where responding officers found four people with gunshot wounds. All four were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. McFarland had left the residence before officers arrived.

Officers found McFarland shortly afterward on the riverfront trail. Police said he received medical aid but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives later discovered a man dead from an apparent gunshot wound at another residence in the city. A further search led officers to a business, where they found another victim, also dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Online maps show a metal workshop at the address provided by police.

Authorities said the victims are believed to be relatives of McFarland. Kies said two of the victims found after the initial call were men who were also believed to be related to the suspect. Police have not released the names, ages or other details about the victims.

An ABC television affiliate reported that at least two of the victims were children.

“Preliminary findings indicate the shootings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute,” the Muscatine Police Department said in a statement. “All victims are believed to be family members of the deceased suspect.”

Kies described the killings as an “act of evil.”

“Today I simply do not have the words,” he said. “This act of evil and what it has done to our community.”

The chief confirmed that McFarland had a criminal record but did not provide further details. He said the investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to process crime scenes and conduct interviews. The department has asked anyone with information to contact its major crimes unit.

Muscatine sits on the Mississippi River and has a population of about 23,500 people, according to U.S. government data published last year. One source described the city as being about 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids.

Mayor Brad Bark wrote on Facebook: “Our hearts are heavy tonight after the tragic shootings that claimed innocent lives.”