MUSCATINE, Iowa: Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police on Monday.
Police were called Monday to a home in Muscatine, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Cedar Rapids, where they found four people shot to death, Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said during a news conference.
Officers later located the suspect, 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland, of Muscatine, on a trail in the city, Kies said.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” he said.
Two other men also believed to be relatives of McFarland were later found shot to death elsewhere in the city, according to Kies. One man was found in his home and the other was found dead inside a business, he said.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or any details about them.
“I’m just speechless today,” Kies said. “This evil act and what it has done to our community.”
The city’s police department is continuing to investigate the shooting, working to process crime scenes and conduct interviews. Police have asked anyone with information to contact their major crime unit.
Kies confirmed that McFarland had a criminal record, but would not share any details.
