Domestic dispute turns deadly as six family members killed in Iowa shooting
Authorities say the victims are believed to be relatives of the alleged shooter
Six people were killed in a series of shootings in Muscatine, Iowa, on Monday, June 1, before the suspected gunman fatally shot himself during a confrontation with police, authorities said.
The incident began around 12:12 p.m. local time when Muscatine Police were called to a reported domestic dispute at a residence on Park Avenue, Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies confirmed during a press briefing reported by local media.
When officers arrived, they discovered four victims who had already been shot and killed inside the home.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities located additional victims at separate locations across the city.
One adult male was found dead inside a residence on Mill Street, while another was discovered at a business on Grandview Avenue, police said.
In total, six victims were killed in the attack, with investigators later confirming that all are believed to be relatives of the suspect.
Police identified the alleged gunman as Ryan Willis McFarland, who fled the scene following the shootings.
He was later located near a riverfront trail close to a pedestrian bridge.
According to officials, McFarland shot himself as officers moved in to confront him. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Today, I simply do not have the words,” Chief Kies said during the press conference. “This act of evil and what it has done to our community.”
Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of the victims. Police also confirmed that McFarland had a prior criminal record, though details were not immediately disclosed.
Following the incident, Muscatine County Emergency Management urged residents to avoid the riverfront and surrounding areas as multiple agencies responded to the active investigation.
The Muscatine Police Department is working alongside the Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shootings.