A 52-year-old man shot and killed six of his relatives in Muscatine, Iowa, on Monday before taking his own life, according to police.
The suspect, Ryan Willis McFarland, had a criminal record.
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His body was found on a riverfront trail near a pedestrian bridge after officers responded to emergency calls just after noon.
Police first arrived at a home where four victims were found dead from gunshot wounds.
A search of the city uncovered two more male victims—one inside another residence and one at a metal workshop.
An ABC affiliate reported that at least two of the deceased were children. Police Chief Anthony Kies confirmed that McFarland killed himself while officers were speaking to him.
“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” Kies said during a news conference.
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Kies did not release the victims’ names or ages, saying investigators are processing multiple crime scenes and interviewing witnesses.
“Today I simply do not have the words,” Kies said.
Muscatine, a city of about 23,500 along the Mississippi River, is mourning the tragedy. Mayor Brad Bark expressed grief in a Facebook statement.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight after the tragic shootings that claimed innocent lives,” Bark said.
Preliminary findings indicate the shootings stemmed from a domestic dispute, police said. All six victims are believed to be family members of McFarland.
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The major crimes unit is investigating and asking anyone with information to come forward.
