US: 7 Dead in Iowa Shooting Spree, Police Cite Domestic Dispute
Authorities identified the gunman as Ryan Willis McFarland, who allegedly killed six individuals across three separate locations before dying from a gunshot wound
Iowa [US]: Six people were killed on Monday (local time) following a domestic dispute in Muscatine, Iowa, with preliminary findings indicating the incident stemmed from a domestic-related conflict, according to the city's police department.
Authorities identified the gunman as Ryan Willis McFarland, who allegedly killed six individuals across three separate locations before dying from a gunshot wound.
In a press release issued after the series of homicides, the Muscatine Police Department said it received a report of a shooting at approximately 12:12 p.m. (local time). Police officers and emergency medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon entering the residence, officers found four individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
"Preliminary findings indicate the shootings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute. All victims are believed to be family members of the deceased suspect," the police said.
Authorities have not released the names or ages of the victims.
According to police, the suspect was identified as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine, who had left the residence before officers arrived.
Law enforcement officers located McFarland a short time later on the Riverfront Trail near the pedestrian bridge, where he was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police said officers and EMS personnel provided medical aid, but McFarland was pronounced dead at the scene.
As the investigation progressed, officers subsequently discovered an adult male deceased from an apparent gunshot wound inside a residence. Another adult male was also found dead from an apparent gunshot wound at a business location.
The police said the investigation remains active and ongoing and urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact the department.
"Today I simply do not have the words -- this act of evil and what it has done to our community," Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said during a press briefing on Monday, according to ABC News.
The police chief said the suspect had a criminal record, though he did not provide further details. Kies also stated that there is no active threat to the community.