7 dead, including shooter, after series of shootings in Iowa, police say

MUSCATINE, Iowa — Editor’s Note: This story contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call 988 for 24/7/265 confidential and free support. Online services are available here. 

Six people are dead, including at least two children, after a string of shootings in an Iowa town on Monday. The suspected shooter is also dead, police said.

Police were called about reports of a shooting in the 200 block of Park Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa, about 12:20 p.m. Monday, June 1, police told WQAD. 

When officers responded to the address, they found four victims who had all been fatally shot, the Muscatine Police Department said. 

The suspect was identified as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland. Officers found McFarland on the riverfront trail near the pedestrian bridge, where he killed himself after being confronted by officers, police said. 

During the investigation, officers learned there might be additional victims. A man was found dead inside his home on the 1500 block of Mill Street, and another was found dead inside a business on the 800 block of Grandview Avenue. 

The shootings took place across the city, and police believe the shootings stemmed from a domestic dispute. All of the victims are believed to be McFarland’s family members.

The Muscatine Community School District confirmed two of the victims are employees at the district and two others are students. The ages and other identifying details about the victims are not known at this time. 

The shootings are still under investigation.