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MUSCATINE, Iowa (KWQC) – Six people were killed Monday during a shooting in Muscatine before the gunman fatally shot himself.
The six were identified as Lesa McFarland, Dakota Whitlow, Austin Harris, Ryle McFarland, Mark McFarland and Ryan McFarland Jr.
Lesa McFarland, 51
- Lesa is survived by son Jonathan McFarland who said at a vigil Tuesday night, “I will forever love and miss my mom, Lesa, my sister, Ryle, my four brothers, Dakota, Austin, Mark, and Ryan.”
- Lesa worked in nutrition services at Susan Clark Junior High in Muscatine
Lesa was a nutrition worker at Susan Clark Junior High(Muscatine School District)
Dakota Whitlow, 32
- Dakota is survived by his brother Jonathan and fiancée Audrey Perdue
- At the vigil Perdue reflected on the future that was taken from them by saying, “My heart is broken as I grieve the loss of my fiancé and the life that we had planned to live together,” Perdue said. “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
- Austin is survived by his brother Jonathan
- Austin was the son of Dion Harris
- Austin had three sisters, Jozlyn, Heather and Kayla
- Austin was a hardworking and dedicated team member at Musco Lighting for seven years
- Family of Austin said “he was a kind and loving soul”
Austin Harris, 29(KWQC)
Ryle McFarland, 20
- Ryle is survived by her brother Jonathan
- The University of Northern Iowa shared Wednesday that Ryle was a student at the university
- The school said Ryle was a dean’s list student and a May 2026 graduate of UNI’s College of Education with a major in elementary education and a minor in social emotional learning
- Ryle had just completed student teaching in the Muscatine School District and the university said she was excited to begin her professional career at McKinley Elementary in Muscatine in the fall
- The university said friends, colleagues and faculty described Ryle as delightful with a very right future ahead both in life and in the classroom
Ryle was a dean’s list student and a May 2026 graduate of UNI(Muscatine School District)
Mark McFarland, 16
- Mark is survived by his brother Jonathan
- Mark had just finished his junior year at Muscatine High School, district officials said
- Mark worked at the Pizza Ranch (FunZone Arcade) in Muscatine, according to a Facebook post.
- He is described as a “valued member” of the team and previously won the Pizza Ranch Hospitality Award for outstanding guest service in March, officials said.
- Officials said his presence won’t be forgotten and extended condolences to family members and friends.
Mark just finished his junior year at Muscatine High School.(Muscatine School District)
Ryan McFarland Jr., 13
- Ryan is survived by his brother Jonathan
- According to district officials, Ryan Jr. had just completed Seventh Grade at Susan Clark Junior High
Ryan Jr. had just completed Seventh Grade at Susan Clark Junior High(Muscatine School District)
This is a developing story. KWQC is working to learn more about the victims.
Copyright 2026 KWQC. All rights reserved.
