A crazed gunman is suspected of killing six family members before turning the weapon on himself – and authorities believe the “act of evil” stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, was named as the perpetrator behind Monday’s rampage in Muscatine, Iowa, about 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, and bodies were found across several locations, KWQC reported.
Two of the victims were Muscatine Community School District students and two were employees of the district, school officials told the outlet.
“Today I simply do not have the words — this act of evil and what it has done to our community,” Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said.
“Preliminary findings indicate the shootings stemmed from a domestic‑related dispute.”
Cops found four people dead with gunshot wounds inside one home just after noon.
But McFarland had left the property before the police arrived. He was found on a nearby trail with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Muscatine police said.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” Kies told reporters.
“Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid. However, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Investigators learned there may be additional victims.
A man was found dead inside a home located about two miles from where the first set of bodies were discovered.
Another man was found dead at a nearby business.
The victims have not been identified but they are “believed to be family members of the deceased suspect,” police said.
State Senator Janice Weiner described the bloodshed as a “tragedy of massive proportions.”
“This tragedy impacts everyone – community, schools, a sense of safety,” Weiner said.
Kies revealed McFarland has a criminal record but did not share further details.
The investigation is ongoing.
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