Gunman kills six family members, then takes own life in US

A gunman in the US state of Iowa killed six members of his family before taking his own life, police said, in what authorities believe was a case of domestic violence.

Police in Muscatine said they responded to reports of gunfire on Monday (June 1) afternoon and initially recovered four bodies inside a residence. The suspect had already fled the scene by the time officers arrived.

In a statement, the Muscatine Police Department said preliminary findings suggest the attack stemmed from a domestic dispute, although the exact motive remains under investigation.

Police Chief Anthony Kies said the suspect, identified as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland, was quickly located near a pedestrian bridge along a riverfront area of the city. As officers attempted to speak with him, he fatally shot himself.

Following further searches, authorities recovered two additional bodies from separate locations — one inside a nearby home and another at a business premises. Police believe McFarland was responsible for all six killings.

Officials said all victims are believed to be family members of the suspect, though their identities have not yet been released. Local media reported that at least two of the victims were children.

Police also said McFarland had a prior criminal record, but did not provide further details.

Muscatine, a city of about 24,000 residents, is located roughly 155 miles east of Des Moines, the capital of Iowa.

Source: Reuters