Victims in fatal Muscatine shootings identified

MUSCATINE, Iowa — Editor’s Note: This story contains discussion of suicide and domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available. Call 988 for 24/7/365 confidential and free support. Online services are available here. Those experiencing domestic violence can call 800.799.SAFE (7233) for confidential support, or chat online here. 

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All six victims shot and killed in a string of shootings in Muscatine on Monday have been publicly identified by police. 

The victims have been identified as: 

• 51-year-old Lesa McFarland
• 32-year-old Dakota Whitlow
• 29-year-old Austin Harris
• 20-year-old Ryle McFarland
• 16-year-old Mark McFarland
• 13-year-old Ryan McFarland Jr.

The names were read aloud during a community vigil on Tuesday night. 

Two loved ones of the victims spoke during the ceremony, including Dakota Whitlow’s fiancée, Audrey Perdue, and Johnathan McFarland, the surviving member of the family. He’s a brother to Dakota, Austin, Ryle, Mark and Ryan Jr. His parents were Lesa, one of the victims, and Ryan Willis McFarland, the man police identified as the shooter. 

“It’s hard to even think that this is even real. I’m still in denial,” Jonathan said. “No matter what is being told to me, I will always love and miss my dad, Ryan… I will forever and always love and miss them dearly, and this will (not) be the last time that I ever speak to them or do anything in their honor.”

Two of the victims were students, and two others were employees in the Muscatine Community School District.

Counselors and additional support resources are available during the day for students and staff at the following locations:

• Muscatine High School 
• Susan Clark Junior High 
• Madison Elementary 
• McKinley Elementary 
• Franklin Elementary

“Our hearts are broken for the family members, friends, colleagues, classmates, and all those affected by this unimaginable loss. We ask that you keep everyone impacted in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” Superintendent Clint Christopher said in a statement. “We encourage anyone who needs support to take advantage of these resources and to check in with one another. The strength of our district has always been found in the care and compassion we show each other during difficult times.”

The Norbert F. Beckey Bridge will be lit up in purple and gold in honor of the families, starting around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. 

According to Muscatine police, officers received reports of a shooting in the 200 block of Park Avenue around 12:15 p.m. on Monday, June 1.

When officers responded to the address, they found four victims who had all been fatally shot. Each person was pronounced dead on the scene.

The suspect was identified as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland of Muscatine. Officers found McFarland on the riverfront trail near the pedestrian bridge. While being confronted by police, officers said McFarland took his own life.

During the investigation, officers learned there may have been additional victims. An adult male was found dead inside his residence on the 1500 block of Mill Street, and another male was found dead inside a business on the 800 block of Grandview Avenue.

The shootings are still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. David O’Connor at the Muscatine Police Department at 563-263-9922 ex. 608.