Jonathan McFarland thanked the community and law enforcement after multiple deadly shootings in Iowa while remembering his four brothers, sister and parents.
Muscatine, Iowa— Editor’s note: This story contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, there is help available. Please call 988 for 24/7/265 confidential and toll-free support. Provide online services here.
Johnathan McFarland, who lost seven family members in a series of shootings in Muscatine, Iowa, spoke in their honor at a vigil on Tuesday.
McFarland’s four brothers, sister and mother were shot and killed Monday. Police identified 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland as the suspect. Police say Jonathan’s father, Ryan McFarland, committed suicide after a confrontation with police.
“It’s hard to imagine that this is true. I’m still in denial,” Jonathan McFarland said.
He said he knew the tragedy was affecting not only his family but the wider community and pledged to pray for them.
“I’m so, so grateful to have such an amazing community, friends, loved ones that are here to support me during this time,” he said. “I will always, always love and miss them dearly and this will be the last time I talk to them or do anything for them.”
He also said he would mourn and miss his father “no matter what anyone tells me.”
He concluded his comments by thanking law enforcement and the community for their continued support.
“I have a lot of emotions and thoughts right now, but I just want to thank everyone again for the support and support, not just me but the community, my loved ones and everyone,” he said.
Police said on Monday, June 1, at approximately 12:20 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 200 block of Muscatine Parkway WQAD. When police arrived, they found all four victims shot to death. Two more victims were found at other locations.
Tuesday, WQAD reports The victims were identified as:
- Lysa MacFarlane, 51
- Dakota Whitlow, 32
- Austin Harris, 29
- 20-year-old Lyle MacFarlane
- Mark MacFarlane, 16
- Ryan McFarlane Jr., 13
The names were read aloud at a community vigil Tuesday night.
