Gunman kills six family members in Iowa shooting spree before taking own life

MUSCATINE: A gunman killed six members of his family before taking his own life during a series of shootings in the eastern US state of Iowa, police said on Monday.

Authorities said the incident took place in the city of Muscatine, a waterfront town located across the Mississippi River from Illinois, and is believed to have stemmed from a domestic-related dispute.

According to the Muscatine Police Department, four victims were found shot dead inside a residence after officers responded to reports of gunfire shortly after noon local time.

Police said the suspected attacker had fled the scene before officers arrived but was later identified as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland of Muscatine.

He was located on a riverfront trail near a pedestrian bridge, where he took his own life while officers were speaking with him, Police Chief Anthony Kies said.

Following further investigation, police discovered two additional victims linked to the same shooting incident — one found in a nearby home and another at a business in the area.

Read More: CM Afridi says he will remain KP CM until new directive from Imran Khan

Authorities said all six victims were believed to be family members of the gunman, though they were not publicly identified. Local media reported that at least two of the victims were children.

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

Muscatine, a city of around 24,000 residents, serves as the county seat of Muscatine County and is located about 155 miles east of Des Moines, the Iowa state capital.