Authorities in Iowa are investigating the shootings of a mother and five siblings killed in a case of domestic violence. The alleged gunman died by suicide when he was confronted by police Monday.
Police were called to a home in Muscatine, about 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, where they found four people fatally shot, Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said at a news conference.
Officers later found the suspect, Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine, on a trail in the city, Kies said.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” he said.
Kies identified those killed as Lisa McFarland, 51; Dakota Whitlow, 32; Austin Harris, 29; Ryle McFarland, 20; Mark McFarland, 16; and Ryan McFarland Jr., 13.
Two other men who also are believed to be relatives of McFarland were later found fatally shot elsewhere in the city. One man was found in his home and the other was discovered dead inside a business.
“Today I simply do not have the words,” Kies said. “This act of evil and what it has done to our community.”
Police are working to process the crime scenes and conducting interviews. The police department has asked anyone with information to contact its major crimes unit.
Kies confirmed that McFarland had a criminal record but wouldn’t share any details.
Speaking at a vigil Tuesday evening as community members gathered at a football field in Muscatine, surviving victim
Johnathan McFarland described how he would miss his mother, sister and brothers — as well as his father, who committed the killings before taking his own life.
“This might hurt some people for me to say,” he said. “No matter what is being told to me, I will always love and miss my dad.”
