The city of Muscatine, Iowa, is mourning the loss of six members of the McFarland family killed in a mass shooting on Monday, before the shooter shot himself.
Two of the victims were recognized by the authorities as close associates and members of the same extended family of the home where the shooting took place. People in the community have characterized them as diligent, family-focused people.
According to the superintendent, two of the six victims of the deadly shooting were students in a nearby school district. Authorities said the suspect, the father, Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine, committed suicide after being confronted by police later that day.
Read more: 7 dead, including lone suspect, in series of shootings across Iowa’s Muscatine
Who were the victims of the Muscatine shooting?
According to authorities and reporting by KWQC, the six victims have been identified as:
- Lesa McFarland, 51
- Dakota Whitlow, 32
- Austin Harris, 29
- Ryle McFarland, 20
- Mark McFarland, 16
- Ryan McFarland Jr., 13
Who are the McFarlands?
Lesa McFarland, 51, the mother, worked in nutrition services at Susan Clark Junior High in Muscatine. School officials remembered her as a valued member of the district community who played an important role in serving students every day.
Ryle McFarland, 20, Jonathan’s sister, had recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and was preparing to begin her teaching career. According to the university, she was a Dean’s List student who graduated in May 2026 with a major in elementary education and a minor in social-emotional learning. She had completed student teaching in the Muscatine School District and was set to begin teaching at McKinley Elementary School in the fall. Faculty members described her as bright, compassionate and destined for a promising future in education.
Mark McFarland, 16, had just completed his junior year at Muscatine High School. Outside the classroom, he worked at Pizza Ranch’s FunZone Arcade, where colleagues remembered him as a valued employee. Authorities noted that Mark had received the Pizza Ranch Hospitality Award in March for outstanding customer service and positive interactions with guests.
Ryan McFarland Jr., 13, was the youngest of the McFarland family. He had recently completed seventh grade at Susan Clark Junior High. School officials joined the community in mourning his loss and expressed condolences to classmates, teachers and family members affected by the tragedy.
Police found four of Jonathan’s family at their Muscatine home about 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids.
Ryan Willis, the shooter, later killed himself on a trail where he was found when confronted by the police.
Read more: Ryan Willis McFarland: 5 things as Muscatine shooting leaves 7, including shooter, dead
Who were Dakota Whitlow and Austin Harris?
Dakota Whitlow, 32, is survived by his fiancée, Audrey Perdue, and his brother Jonathan. During the vigil, Perdue spoke about the future the couple had planned together before it was abruptly taken away. Perdue said, “My heart is broken as I grieve the loss of my fiancé and the life that we had planned to live together.”
According to a local media outlet, she also honored the other victims and her extended family, saying, “I come to the community today in hopes that we are able to rally ourselves together in memory of Ryan Jr., Mark, Ryle, Austin, Dakota, and Lesa.”
Austin Harris, 29, was remembered by loved ones as a kind and caring individual. He is survived by his parent, Dion Harris, and his sisters, Jozlyn, Heather, and Kayla. Harris spent seven years working at Musco Lighting, where colleagues described him as a hardworking and dedicated employee. Family members said, “he was a kind and loving soul.”
Both Whitlow and Harris were found shot elsewhere in the city. One of the victims was found in his home when police started their investigation, and one other was found dead inside a business.
Remembering the victims
The residents have held vigils and memorial services to pay tribute to the victims of the shooting.
The shooter’s surviving son, Jonathan McFarland, gave a heartfelt speech in which he remembered both his father and his family. “Just, it’s hard to even think that this is even real,” he said.
He further said, “I just wanted to say that I will forever love and miss my mom, Lesa, my sister, Ryle, my four brothers, Dakota, Austin, Mark, and Ryan.”