Authorities suspect a gunman, in a violent outburst believed to have originated from a domestic conflict, killed six family members before taking his own life.
Identified as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, the gunman is believed to be responsible for Monday’s tragic events in Muscatine, Iowa, located roughly 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids. The grim discovery of the victims’ bodies was made across several locations, as reported by KWQC.
Among the victims were two students and two staff members from the Muscatine Community School District, according to school officials who spoke to the media outlet.
“Today, I find myself at a loss for words,” expressed Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies. “This horrific act has profoundly impacted our community,” he added, noting that initial investigations suggest the violence was triggered by a domestic dispute.
Authorities responded to a call shortly after noon and found four individuals fatally shot inside a residence.
Cops found four people dead with gunshot wounds inside one home just after noon.
But McFarland had left the property before the police arrived. He was found on a nearby trail with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Muscatine police said.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” Kies told reporters.
“Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid. However, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Investigators learned there may be additional victims.
A man was found dead inside a home located about two miles from where the first set of bodies were discovered.
Another man was found dead at a nearby business.
The victims have not been identified but they are “believed to be family members of the deceased suspect,” police said.
State Senator Janice Weiner described the bloodshed as a “tragedy of massive proportions.”
“This tragedy impacts everyone – community, schools, a sense of safety,” Weiner said.
Kies revealed McFarland has a criminal record but did not share further details.
The investigation is ongoing.
