Tragic Family Shooting in Iowa Leaves One Survivor

A 22-year-old student has become the sole survivor of a devastating tragedy in Iowa, where his father, Ryan Willis McFarland, fatally shot six family members during a violent outburst. This horrific incident left the young man mourning his mother, brother, and stepbrother.

It’s puzzling — why was Jonathan McFarland spared? His father ended his life after committing this unthinkable act on a Monday afternoon. The victims included his wife Resa, his 20-year-old daughter Lyle, and his three sons: Mark, 16, and Ryan Jr., 13. The bodies of two of Resa’s children from a previous relationship were discovered later in separate locations.

Besides the tragic deaths, Ryan’s other son-in-law, 29-year-old Austin Harris, was found shot in his home, while 32-year-old Dakota Whitlow was killed at his late father’s metal working business.

At a vigil on Tuesday for his family, Jonathan expressed his overwhelming grief. “I can hardly believe this is real. I think I’m still in denial,” he shared, fighting back tears. “I’ll forever love and miss my mother, Resa, my sister, Riley, and my four brothers, Dakota, Austin, Mark, and Ryan.” Strangely enough, he even declared, “No matter what people say, I will always love and miss my dad Ryan.”

Authorities labeled this act as exceptionally horrific, suggesting it was rooted in a domestic conflict. A neighbor, Melissa Weggen, recounted chilling moments before the tragedy, recalling Ryan shouting about money. “I heard him walking by and saying, ‘Don’t worry about money. When you die, it’s all gone,'” she reported, clearly shaken by the memory.

Ryan McFarland had a troubled history filled with crime, including armed robbery. Years ago, he and Resa ran a daycare, but that venture ended when an 8-month-old child was found unresponsive, leading to their license being revoked. In 2011, he faced serious charges of felony child endangerment due to this tragic incident.

In connection with that case, a plea deal allowed McFarland to drop a neglect charge and reduce the felony to a misdemeanor, possibly sparing him a lengthy prison sentence. His criminal background includes a 1994 armed robbery conviction, which resulted in seven years behind bars, followed by additional sentences for theft and later, fraud.

Now, Jonathan is left grappling with an unimaginable loss and the complex memories of a family torn apart in an instant. As he stands alone amidst the tragedy, his journey toward healing will undoubtedly be long and fraught with challenges.