Iowa Family Tragedy Survivor Shares Heartbreaking Words About His Father

“It’s hard to even think that this is even real. I’m still in denial,” a grieving survivor admitted as he addressed mourners following the devastating loss of nearly his entire immediate family.

As residents gather to mourn, newly revealed details from the hours leading up to the killings have added another haunting layer to an already heartbreaking story.

Authorities say the violence unfolded around 12:12 p.m. local time Monday in Muscatine, where six people were killed in what police described as a domestic-related shooting spree involving members of the same family.

According to police information reported by 6ABC, officers responded to multiple locations across the city after reports of gunfire. Four victims were found dead inside one residence, while two others were later discovered at a second home and a nearby business.

“Today I simply do not have the words — this act of evil and what it has done to our community,” Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies said at a press briefing Monday.

Police identified the suspected gunman as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52. Authorities said Ryan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after officers located and confronted him near a trail along the Mississippi River.

“While talking to Ryan Willis McFarland, he took his own life,” Kies said. “Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid. However, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The police chief said the suspect has a criminal record, though he did not elaborate. There is no active threat to the community, Kies said. The homicides remain under investigation.

A Family Remembered

As investigators continued piecing together what happened, the identities of the victims began to emerge. According to KWQC, the six victims were identified as Lesa McFarland, Dakota Whitlow, Austin Harris, Ryle McFarland, Mark McFarland, and Ryan McFarland Jr.

Lesa, 51, worked in nutrition services at Susan Clark Junior High in Muscatine. Dakota, 32, leaves behind his fiancée, Audrey Perdue, and family members who are now mourning a future that was suddenly taken away.

Austin, 29, was remembered by loved ones as a kind and loving person. Family members said he spent seven years working at Musco Lighting and was known for his dedication and strong work ethic.

Ryle, 20, had recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and was preparing to begin her teaching career in the fall. The university described her as a bright student with an exciting future ahead.

Mark, 16, had just completed his junior year of high school and was recognized by coworkers at Pizza Ranch as a valued member of the team. Ryan Jr., 13, had recently finished seventh grade.

The Chilling Words Heard Before the Violence

As the city mourned, a disturbing account surfaced about what allegedly happened shortly before the shootings began. According to the New York Post, neighbor Melissa Weggen said she overheard Ryan walking near her home roughly 10 minutes before the shootings. Weggen recalled:

“I heard him walk by my house, saying, ‘Don’t worry about money. Everything goes away when you die.'”

The statement has since become one of the most unsettling details to emerge from the case, raising even more questions about the events leading up to the killings.

Community Rallies Around Sole Survivor

In the aftermath of the killings, support has poured in for Johnathan McFarland, the sole surviving sibling. A GoFundMe campaign organized by a family friend, Austin Lawrence, described Johnathan as someone who was extremely close to his family and loved them dearly.

The fundraiser says he continues to endure unimaginable grief while receiving support from friends, loved ones, and the wider community.

During a vigil held Tuesday evening, Johnathan addressed mourners despite acknowledging how difficult it was to speak publicly. “I know this is a very tough time, not just for me. I just wanted to say that I will forever love and miss my mom, Lesa, my sister, Riley, my four brothers, Dakota, Austin, Mark, and Ryan,” he said.

“I am also incredibly thankful to have had such an amazing, loving, and caring family throughout my entire life. I will forever and always love and miss them dearly,” he said, adding that he would continue to honor their memories. His remarks offered a glimpse into the profound loss he is now carrying while also reflecting the deep bond he shared with his family.

The Remark That Left the Crowd Silent

Yet the most emotional moment came not from investigators or witnesses, but from the son left behind. At the vigil, Johnathan spoke openly about the family members he lost. Then, despite the enormity of what had happened, he shared a message that many in attendance may not have expected.

During his speech at the vigil, Jonathan said:

“And this might hurt some people for me to say … No matter what is being told to me, I will always love and miss my dad, Ryan.”

The comment underscored the painful complexity often left behind after family tragedies. While investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the killings, Johnathan now faces the unimaginable reality of grieving nearly his entire immediate family at once.

For Muscatine, the loss remains almost impossible to comprehend. For Johnathan, the journey forward is only beginning — carrying memories of the family he lost, and the father he says he still loves and misses.