Six people were killed in a shooting spree across multiple locations in Muscatine, Iowa, in what authorities are calling an apparent domestic dispute. The suspected gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when confronted by police.

Authorities reported that the series of homicides occurred Monday at two residences and a business within the city. Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies described the event as an "act of evil and what it has done to our community." The incident began with the discovery of four deceased individuals at one home.

The Muscatine Police Department received the initial report around 12:12 p.m. local time. First responders arrived to find all four individuals dead at the scene. The suspect, identified by police as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, had left the residence before officers arrived.

Officers located McFarland nearby on a trail along the Mississippi River. During the confrontation, McFarland took his own life, Chief Kies stated. Aid was rendered by officers and EMS personnel, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

As the investigation unfolded, detectives learned of potential additional victims. They subsequently located two more men who had died from apparent gunshot wounds. One victim was found at a second residence, and the other at a nearby business.

Preliminary findings suggest the shootings were connected to a domestic-related dispute, according to a press release from the Muscatine Police Department. All six victims are believed to be family members of the deceased suspect. The names and ages of the victims have not yet been released by authorities.

Chief Kies confirmed that the suspect, McFarland, had a criminal record, but he did not provide further details. The police department assured the public that there is no active threat to the community following the suspect's death. The homicides remain under active investigation.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community of Muscatine. Officials are continuing to piece together the timeline and motives behind the devastating events that unfolded on Monday.