Seven dead in Iowa after domestic dispute shooting spree, police say

Seven people, including a suspected gunman, are dead following a series of shootings Monday that authorities say stemmed from a domestic dispute involving members of the same family. (KCCI via CNN Newsource)

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MUSCATINE, Iowa – Seven people, including a suspected gunman, are dead following a series of shootings Monday that authorities say stemmed from a domestic dispute involving members of the same family.

The Muscatine Police Department said officers were dispatched at approximately 12:12 p.m. Monday to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Park Avenue.

When officers and emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found four people inside the home suffering from gunshot wounds. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators quickly identified the suspected shooter as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine. Police said McFarland had left the residence before officers arrived.

Authorities located McFarland on the Riverfront Trail near the pedestrian bridge. He was suffering from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers and emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but McFarland was pronounced dead at the scene.

As the investigation unfolded, police developed information suggesting additional victims could be involved.

Officers subsequently discovered an adult male dead from an apparent gunshot wound inside a residence at 1509 Mill St. Investigators later responded to a business at 808 Grandview Ave., where they found another adult male who had also died from an apparent gunshot wound.

In total, seven people died in the shootings, including the suspect.

Police said preliminary findings indicate the shootings were the result of a domestic dispute. Investigators believe all of the victims were family members of McFarland.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims pending notification of family members.

The Muscatine Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

The investigation remains active as detectives continue processing the crime scenes and conducting interviews with witnesses.