MUSCATINE (IOWA): A gunman in the U.S. state of Iowa shot and killed six members of his own family before taking his own life, in what police have described as a domestic dispute.
According to authorities, the incident took place in the city of Muscatine, where officers responding to a report discovered multiple bodies inside a residence. Initial findings indicated that four victims had been fatally shot at the scene.
The suspect was later identified as 52-year-old Ryan Wills McFarland, a local resident who fled after the shootings. Police eventually located him near a pedestrian bridge by a river, where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during an encounter with officers.
Further investigation led to the discovery of two additional bodies at separate locations, including a nearby house and a commercial building. Police believe all six victims were members of the suspect’s family, though their identities have not yet been publicly released.
U.S. media reports indicate that two of the victims were children.
Police officials added that the suspect had a prior criminal record, but did not disclose further details.
Muscatine is a small city with a population of around 24,000, located approximately 250 kilometers from the state capital, Des Moines.
Authorities say investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
