The shootings occurred in Muscatine, Iowa, on Monday, June 1
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- A gunman allegedly shot and killed six people before fatally shooting himself at a Muscatine, Iowa, residence on Monday, June 1
- Muscatine police were called to the scene of a “domestic dispute” on Park Avenue around 12:12 p.m. local time on Monday, Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies confirmed in a press conference
- Two other adult male victims were discovered at two different locations, and police believe the victims are all relatives of McFarland
A man allegedly shot and killed six people before fatally shooting himself in Iowa on Monday, June 1.
Muscatine Police were called to the scene of a "domestic dispute" at a residence on Park Avenue around 12:12 p.m. local time on Monday, Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies confirmed in a press conference per ABC News affiliate WQAD News 8. When police arrived, they discovered four victims who were shot and killed in the home.
As police investigated, they discovered more victims had been killed at different locations, Muscatine Police said in a social media release. The other victims included an adult man who was found in his home on Mill Street, and another man who was found dead inside a business on Grandview Avenue, Kies said in the press conference.
Police identified Ryan Willis McFarland as the alleged suspect and said he fled the scene. McFarland was later found at the riverfront trail near the pedestrian bridge and shot himself while being confronted by police, Kies said. While EMS attempted to administer life-saving efforts, McFarland died at the scene.
"Today, I simply do not have the words," Kies began the press conference. "This act of evil and what it has done to our community."
Muscatine County Emergency Management posted an announcement on Facebook asking locals to avoid the riverfront and the river end side of Park Ave "due to an active investigation."
None of the victims' identities has been publicly released yet. Police believe the victims were all related to McFarland, Kies said in his news briefing. He noted that McFarland had a prior criminal record, however, did not disclose any further details.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The Muscatine Police Department is working with the Muscatine Fire Department, the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation on this active investigation.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Lt. David O'Connor of the Muscatine Police Department's Major Crimes Unit at (563) 263-9922, extension 608. Callers may remain anonymous.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Muscatine Police Department and the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office.
Read the full article here
