Six members of the same family were killed in a series of shootings in the US state of Iowa, with authorities saying the incident appears to have been triggered by a domestic dispute.
According to the Muscatine Police Department, the suspected gunman, identified as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland of Muscatine, was later found dead from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police said the shootings occurred at multiple locations across the city on Monday.Officers were first called to a residence shortly after noon following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered four people suffering from gunshot wounds. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said McFarland had already left the location before officers arrived. He was later located on a riverfront trail near a pedestrian bridge, where he was found with a gunshot wound believed to have been self-inflicted.Emergency responders attempted to provide medical assistance, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
As the investigation expanded, detectives discovered the body of another man at a separate residence. A further search led officers to a local business, where a sixth victim was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Police believe all six victims were related to McFarland.In a statement, investigators said preliminary evidence suggests the killings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute involving family members.Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies described the incident as an “act of evil” and said the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims. Chief Kies confirmed that the suspect had a prior criminal record but declined to provide additional details.
Muscatine, a city of about 23,500 residents located along the Mississippi River in southeastern Iowa, has been left shaken by the tragedy.Reacting to the incident, Mayor Brad Bark expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.”Our hearts are heavy tonight after the tragic shootings that claimed innocent lives,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
