A murder-suicide in Muscatine, Iowa has left 7 people dead (including the shooter) after Ryan Willis McFarland allegedly went on a shooting rampage, killing six family members, including his wife Lesa McFarland, 51, and their two children. The incident is believed to be connected to a domestic dispute. Officials also confirmed McFarland had a prior criminal record.
McFarland, 52, is accused of shooting and killing six relatives before turning the gun on himself Monday, June 1, 2026. The violence is reported to have taken place across multiple locations in Muscatine.
According to the Muscatine Police Department, officers were first called at approximately 12:12 p.m. to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 210 block of Park Avenue.
When officers arrived, they located four victims inside the home suffering from gunshot wounds. All four were pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
Investigators quickly identified Ryan Willis McFarland of Muscatine as the suspected shooter.
Authorities said McFarland fled the residence before police arrived. He was later located on the Riverfront Trail near the pedestrian bridge. When officers found him, he was suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later responded to additional scenes connected to the incident. At a residence in the 1500 block of Mill Street, officers found an adult male deceased from gunshot wounds. A second adult victim was also found dead at a nearby business on Grand Avenue.
Officials believe all of the victims were related to McFarland. In total, seven people died, including the suspect. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the remaining victims as notifications continue.
Officials confirmed McFarland had a criminal record but did not provide further details.
Muscatine Community School District officials said two district employees and two students were among those killed. Counseling and support services were made available at Muscatine High School, Susan Clark Junior High, Madison Elementary, McKinley Elementary, and Franklin Elementary.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lieutenant David O’Connor of the Muscatine Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (563) 263-9922, extension 608. Anonymous tips are also being accepted.
