Seven killed in Iowa shooting spree, suspect dies by suicide

At least seven people were reportedly killed in a shooting spree across multiple locations in an Iowa city on Monday in an apparent domestic dispute, police said. The suspected gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when officers confronted him, ABC reported

The "series of homicides" occurred at two residences and a business in Muscatine, according to Muscatine police chief Anthony Kies. Four victims were found dead in one home after police received a call around 12:12 pm local time. The suspect, identified as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine, had left the home before officers arrived, police said. Officers located McFarland nearby on a trail along the Mississippi River. "While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life," Kies said. "Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid. However, he was pronounced deceased at the scene." During the investigation, detectives learned there were possibly additional victims and subsequently located two men dead from apparent gunshot wounds, one at another home and one at a nearby business. "Preliminary findings indicate the shootings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute," the Muscatine police department said in a press release. "All victims are believed to be family members of the deceased suspect." Kies described the incident as an "act of evil" and said McFarland had a criminal record, though he did not elaborate. There is no active threat to the community, he added. Police have not released the names or ages of the victims. The homicides remain under investigation.