Seven people, including two school pupils, have died in an Iowa ‘domestic dispute’ incident by a gunman who shot himself as police closed in
A close-knit town has been plunged into mourning after a horrific rampage left seven people dead, including two young students. The peace was shattered in Muscatine, Iowa, US, on Monday afternoon, with the killings spanning multiple crime scenes across the area.
Police believe the victims were all relatives of 52-year-old gunman Ryan Willis McFarland, who reportedly turned the weapon on himself as cops closed in on a scenic riverfront trail. The tragedy has devastated the local community.
The Muscatine Community School District later confirmed that two of the casualties were pupils, while another two were district employees. Cops rushed to the 200 block of Park Avenue just after 12.15pm following reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers made a grim discovery, finding four people with fatal gunshot wounds. All were pronounced dead at the scene.
As the manhunt expanded, detectives uncovered two more bodies at separate locations in the city – one inside a home and another at a local business.
Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies confirmed the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute and revealed the moment the suspect was cornered.
Chief Kies said: “While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life. Today I simply do not have the words. This act of evil and what it has done to our community.”
While official identities have not yet been released, the school district has deployed counsellors and grief support teams to several local schools, including Muscatine High School and Madison Elementary.
Superintendent Clint Christopher said: “Our hearts are broken for the family members, friends, colleagues, classmates, and all those affected by this unimaginable loss. We ask that you keep everyone impacted in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
He added: “We encourage anyone who needs support to take advantage of these resources and to check in with one another. The strength of our district has always been found in the care and compassion we show each other during difficult times.”
Politicians and local leaders have also expressed their shock at the scale of the incident.
State Senator Janice Weiner said: “We don’t know a lot, but we know enough to recognize that this is a tragedy of massive proportions. My heart goes out to the entire Muscatine community – holding them in my thoughts and prayers.” She added that “community will be needed now more than ever.”
Nick Salazar, an Iowa House District 96 candidate and Muscatine native, urged residents to lean on one another.
He said: “My heart is heavy as our community processes the tragic events that unfolded today in Muscatine. My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy. Families, neighbors, and first responders… Muscatine is a strong community. We will stand together through this difficult time.”
Chief Kies confirmed that McFarland had a previous criminal record but declined to provide further specifics. The Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the massacre and has urged anyone with information to come forward.