At least seven people were killed in a shooting spree across multiple locations in the Muscatine city of Iowa on Monday in what was believed to be a domestic dispute, according to Muscatine police. ABC reported that the suspected gunman died by a self-inflicted gunshot when confronted by the police.
Muscatine police chief Anthony Kies reported that a “series of homicides” took place at two residences and a business in Muscatine.
Police found four dead with gunshot wounds at a residence on Park Avenue after they received a call reporting a shooting around 12:12 pm local time. The suspect was identified as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland of Muscatine, who had left the home before officers arrived, as per the police.
Officers subsequently found McFarland near a pedestrian bridge along the Mississippi River, where he shot himself after being confronted by the law enforcement. Officers and paramedics provided medical assistance but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” said Kies “Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid. However, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
After detectives learned about the possibility of additional victims during the investigation, they located two men dead from apparent gunshot wounds, one at another home and one at a nearby business.
The Muscatine police department released a press release, stating the cause of the shooting to be a domestic dispute.
“Preliminary findings indicate the shootings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute,” said the press release “All victims are believed to be family members of the deceased suspect.”
Kies called the shooting an “act of evil” and revealed that the suspect had a criminal record. However, he did not elaborate on its details. He also added there was no active threat to the community.
Police have not released the names or ages of the victims as the homicides remain under investigation.
