Iowa authorities are investigating a chain of murders that left six dead in different parts of the city of Muscatine and that, according to initial investigations, would be linked to a family conflict.

The case began around 12:12 p.m. Monday when officers responded to a call of shots fired at a home on Park Avenue, the Muscatine Police Department stated in a news release.

Upon arriving at the scene, they found four people with gunshot wounds inside the residence. All were pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect was located shortly after

After the discovery, investigators identified Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine, as the suspect.

According to Police Chief Anthony Kies, the man left the house before the officers arrived.

He was later located on a trail near the Mississippi River, near a pedestrian bridge.

Authorities said that while officers were trying to talk to him, McFarland shot himself.

Emergency crews attempted to provide him with medical assistance, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two more victims were found during the investigation

While processing the initial scene, detectives obtained information that pointed to the existence of more victims in other parts of the city.

Shortly afterward, officers located an adult male dead from apparent gunshot wounds at a home on Mill Street.

They later found another fatality inside a business located on Grandview Avenue.

With these findings, the total number of deaths rose to six.

Muscatine Police indicated that the preliminary investigation indicates that the six victims maintained family ties with the suspect.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the shootings originated from a domestic dispute,” the police department said in a statement.

So far, authorities have not released the victims' identities or details about their ages or specific relationships.

School community among those affected

The impact of the tragedy also reached the local educational system.

As confirmed by the Muscatine school district, the victims included two public school employees and two students.

Superintendent Clint Christopher expressed his regret in a message to the educational community.

“Our hearts are broken for family, friends, colleagues, classmates and all those affected by this unimaginable loss,” he said.

Although schools are on summer recess, several educational centers enabled psychological support and guidance services for students, family members and workers affected by the tragedy.

“An act of evil,” say police

During a press conference, Police Chief Anthony Kies described the events as an unprecedented tragedy for the community.

"Today I simply have no words. This act of evil and what it has done to our community," he said.

Kies also confirmed that McFarland had a criminal record, although he declined to provide details while the investigation remains ongoing.

Muscatine Police are working together with the local Fire Department, the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa State Patrol and the state Division of Criminal Investigation to reconstruct the complete sequence of events.

Investigators continue to process multiple crime scenes and interview potential witnesses.

Authorities assured that there is no active threat to the community, but asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Muscatine Police Department's Major Crimes Unit.