A shooting in the US state of Iowa on Monday left six people dead, including the alleged gunman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as authorities moved in to arrest him, according to police.
Six dead, including gunman, in Muscatine shooting
Police have identified the suspect as 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland. The shootings took place at two homes and one business premises in Muscatine, the Muscatine Police Department said.
A preliminary investigation suggests the shooting stemmed from a family dispute, with all of the victims believed to be relatives of the deceased suspect.
Emergency calls and discovery of the first four victims
Emergency services received reports of gunfire at around 12:12 p.m. local time on June 1. At 05:12 p.m., officers discovered four fatalities at the scene.
Following the identification of McFarland, police tracked him to a coastal trail near a pedestrian bridge. When officers attempted to apprehend him, he fatally shot himself.
Two additional male victims were later found, both believed to have died from gunshot wounds.
Separate incident: Shooting at San Diego Islamic centre
In a separate incident on May 18, a shooting took place at an Islamic centre in San Diego, California. Two suspects – aged 17 and 19 – were found dead shortly afterwards in a parked car; evidence pointed to suicide by gunshot. Three people died inside the mosque during the attack, including a security guard who is thought to have played a key role in preventing further loss of life.
At least eight children were killed and two adults injured in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 19. Investigators have not discussed a motive, but said the episode appeared to arise from a domestic conflict. Officer Chris Bordelon of the police department added that the suspect, Shamarr Elkins, had used a handgun to kill seven of his own children, injure their mother, and kill another child. The victims ranged in age from one to around 12 years old.
