A shooting spree spanning several locations in the city of Muscatine left seven people dead on Monday in what authorities believe was a domestic dispute involving members of the same family.
Police said the suspected gunman, identified as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after officers located and confronted him following the attacks.
Four Victims Found in First Residence
The violence came to light shortly after noon when officers responded to a call at approximately 12:12 p.m. local time. Upon arriving at a residence, police discovered four people dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
According to investigators, McFarland had already fled the scene before officers arrived.
Suspect Located Along Mississippi River Trail
Law enforcement later tracked McFarland to a trail near the Mississippi River.
Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said officers attempted to engage with the suspect, but McFarland took his own life during the encounter.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” Kies told reporters. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Additional Victims Discovered
As the investigation unfolded, detectives learned there could be more victims connected to the case.
Authorities subsequently found two additional men dead from apparent gunshot wounds—one at a second residence and another at a nearby business.
The deaths brought the total number of victims to seven, excluding the suspect.
Police Believe Family Members Were Targeted
In a statement, the Muscatine Police Department said preliminary evidence indicates the shootings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute.
Investigators believe all of the victims were family members of McFarland, though authorities have not yet released their names or ages pending notification of relatives.
No Ongoing Threat to Public
Chief Kies described the incident as an “act of evil” and confirmed that McFarland had a prior criminal record, though he declined to provide additional details.
Police emphasized that there is no active threat to the community and that the shootings appear to have been confined to individuals connected to the suspect.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the killings, including the suspect’s background and potential motives. Investigators have not disclosed further information about the relationships among the victims or the events that preceded the attacks.
The case remains under active investigation.
