Six people were killed in a series of shootings across multiple locations in Muscatine on Monday in what police described as a domestic-related “act of evil,” according to authorities.
Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said the violence unfolded around 12:12 p.m. Monday, when officers were called to a residence for reports of multiple gunshots. When first responders arrived at the home, they discovered four people dead inside the residence, all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Chief Kies said the suspect had already fled the scene by the time police arrived. Investigators later learned that additional victims were potentially involved, prompting officers to expand the search to nearby locations.
Police subsequently located two additional men dead from apparent gunshot wounds—one found at a second residence and another discovered at a nearby business within the city. Authorities confirmed all deaths are being investigated as part of a connected “series of homicides” linked to the same suspect.
The suspect was identified by police as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland of Muscatine.
Officers later located McFarland on a trail near the Mississippi River during the course of the investigation. According to Chief Kies, when officers made contact with him, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” Kies said during a Monday briefing. “Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid. However, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Authorities believe the shootings stemmed from a domestic dispute, though investigators are still working to determine the exact circumstances and relationships between those involved.
Chief Kies described the incident as one of the most devastating events the community has faced, stating, “Today I simply do not have the words — this act of evil and what it has done to our community.”
Law enforcement officials have not yet released the identities of the six victims, pending notification of next of kin. Investigators continue to process multiple scenes, including two homes and a business, as part of the ongoing homicide investigation.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public and believe the incident was isolated to those directly involved.
