Family massacre leaves seven dead in quiet suburb as cops reveal two victims were school student
Seven people, including the suspected gunman, died following a series of fatal shootings across Muscatine in Iowa on Monday, authorities said.
Police were first called to the 200 block of Park Avenue shortly after 12:15pm following reports of gunfire.
When officers arrived, they discovered four people suffering from gunshot wounds. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later identified the suspected shooter as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland, of Muscatine.
According to police, officers located McFarland on the riverfront trail near the city’s pedestrian bridge.
As officers attempted to confront him, McFarland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As the investigation expanded, detectives then uncovered two additional victims at separate locations in the city.
One adult man was found dead inside a home in the 1500 block of Mill Street, while another male victim was discovered inside a business in the 800 block of Grandview Avenue.
Seven people died in a string of shootings across Muscatine on June 1, including the suspected gunman, Ryan Willis McFarland
Four victims were found fatally shot at the Park Avenue residence and were pronounced dead at the scene
Chief Anthony Kies of the Muscatine police gave more details about the shootings on Monday evening
Authorities believe the violence was connected to a domestic dispute and said all of the victims are believed to have been related to McFarland.
The tragedy also affected the local school community. Muscatine Community School District officials said on Monday night that two of the victims were students and two others were district employees.
In response, the district announced that counselors and support services would be available beginning on Tuesday morning at Muscatine High School, Susan Clark Junior High, Madison Elementary, McKinley Elementary and Franklin Elementary.
Muscatine police believe the killings were connected to a domestic dispute
Authorities said all of the victims are believed to have been family members of McFarland
The shootings unfolded across multiple locations in Muscatine, prompting a large-scale police investigation
‘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,’ Superintendent Clint Christopher said in a statement.
‘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.’
This is a breaking news story – more follows.
