Gunman 'kills six family members' in mass shooting before turning the weapon on himself when cornered by police

Six people were killed in a series of shootings believed to have been carried out by a relative who then took his own life when confronted by police.

Officers were called to a home in Muscatine, about 50 miles (80km) southeast of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they found four people shot dead, just after midday on Monday local time.

After the gunman fled the scene, police later found the suspect, Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, on a riverfront trail in the city, police said.

"While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life," Muscatine Police chief Anthony Kies said.

Two other men were later found to have been shot dead at another location in the city, one in his home and another at a business.

Police believe all six people who died in the shootings were relatives of McFarland.

The names of the victims or any other details about them have not yet been released by authorities.

"Today I simply do not have the words. This act of evil and what it has done to our community," Mr Kies added.

The Muscatine Police Department said earlier that the shooting "stemmed from a domestic-related dispute".

Officers are continuing to investigate the shootings, including processing the crime scenes and conduct interviews.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact its major crimes unit.

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Mr Kies confirmed in a press conference that McFarland had a criminal record but did not provide any more details of these offences.

Muscatine, which has a population of about 24,000 people, sits about 155 miles (249km) east of Iowa's state capital, Des Moines.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

(c) Sky News 2026: Gunman 'kills six family members' in mass shooting before turning the weapon on