Families mourn after Muscatine shooting kills six

six victims – A Monday shooting in Muscatine killed six people before the gunman died by suicide. The victims were identified as Lesa McFarland, Dakota Whitlow, Austin Harris, Ryle McFarland, Mark McFarland, and Ryan McFarland Jr., leaving families and a school community ho

Muscatine’s Monday night ended in grief that still feels too close to the surface: six people were killed during a shooting, and the gunman fatally shot himself.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, names began to settle into the story—six lives cut short, each one pulled into focus by the people left behind.

Lesa McFarland, 51, was identified as one of the victims. She was survived by her son Jonathan McFarland, who spoke 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.

Dakota Whitlow, 32, was another victim. He is survived by his brother Jonathan and fiancée Audrey Perdue. At the vigil, Perdue reflected on a future that was taken from them. “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, is also among those killed. He was survived by his brother Jonathan. Austin was the son of Dion Harris and had three sisters: Jozlyn, Heather, and Kayla. Family described him as a hardworking and dedicated team member at Musco Lighting for seven years.

Ryle McFarland, 20, was killed as well. She is survived by her brother Jonathan. The University of Northern Iowa said Wednesday that Ryle was a student at the university. 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. The university said she had just completed student teaching in the Muscatine School District. and it was excited for her to begin her professional career at McKinley Elementary in Muscatine in the fall. The school said friends. colleagues. and faculty described Ryle as “delightful. ” with a “very right future ahead” both in life and in the classroom.

Mark McFarland, 16, was identified as another victim. He is survived by his brother Jonathan. District officials said Mark had just finished his junior year at Muscatine High School and that he worked at the Pizza Ranch (FunZone Arcade) in Muscatine. according to a Facebook post. Officials described him as a “valued member” of the team and said he previously won the Pizza Ranch Hospitality Award for outstanding guest service in March. The district said his presence won’t be forgotten and extended condolences to family members and friends.

Ryan McFarland Jr., 13, was the youngest identified victim. He is survived by his brother Jonathan. District officials said Ryan Jr. had just completed Seventh Grade at Susan Clark Junior High.

The school community that knew some of them through classrooms and cafeterias now finds itself counting gaps—one after another—where familiar faces should have remained part of daily life. For the families. the names are already tied to specific rooms: Susan Clark Junior High. Muscatine High School. UNI’s College of Education. and workplaces like Musco Lighting and Pizza Ranch.

This is a developing story. KWQC is working to learn more about the victims.

Muscatine shooting victims Lesa McFarland Dakota Whitlow Austin Harris Ryle McFarland Mark McFarland Ryan McFarland Jr Susan Clark Junior High University of Northern Iowa Pizza Ranch