In brief
Law enforcement reports that Ryan Willis McFarland killed six relatives, three of whom were students in the local school district, and then committed suicide. The city’s community, led by the superintendent, is offering counseling and remembrance ceremonies while investigations continue.
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Two of the six people who died in a fatal shooting in Iowa on Monday that authorities believe was carried out by a relative were students in a local school district, the superintendent said.
The suspect, 52‑year‑old Ryan Willis McFarland, of Muscatine, killed himself when confronted by police later that day, according to authorities.
Muscatine Community School District Superintendent Clint Christopher did not disclose the two students’ names, ages or class years.
In a message to the school community, he also said two other people who died were school district employees.
“Our hearts are broken for the family members, friends, colleagues, classmates, and all those affected by this unimaginable loss,” Christopher said.
The district had counselors available for students on Tuesday.
Police found four of the victims at a Muscatine home. The city of about 24,000 people is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Cedar Rapids.
Officers later found McFarland on a trail in the city, and he killed himself while police were talking to him, Kies has said.
Two other men who also are believed to be relatives of McFarland were later found fatally shot elsewhere in the city. One man was found in his home and the other was discovered dead inside a business.
Police have confirmed that McFarland had a criminal record, but haven’t shared any details.
Officers and community officials have been holding vigils and supporting families. The new data puts the Iowa killings at the sixth family mass killing this year, a total of 13 overall, marking a concerning trend.
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