Accident – death – Obituary News :

Tragedy Strikes Perry High School as Shooting Leaves 11-Year-Old Boy Dead

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ahmir Jolliff, known affectionately as “Smiley,” was full of excitement as he left his home in Perry on Thursday morning. It was the first day back to school after winter break, and the 11-year-old couldn’t wait to reunite with his friends.

Described as a whirlwind of cheerful activity, Ahmir was a beloved figure in his community. He kept a trunk of toys in his front yard for anyone to play with, and he was passionate about soccer, playing the tuba, and singing in the choir. Ahmir also had a habit of reaching out and asking people about their day, always with a smile on his face.

Tragically, Ahmir’s life was cut short on that fateful Thursday. A 17-year-old student at Perry High School opened fire in the cafeteria before classes even started. The sixth-grader, who attended the middle school connected to the high school, was shot three times. Seven others, including the school’s principal, two staff members, and four students, were also wounded before the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Ahmir’s mother, Erica Jolliff, recounted the heart-wrenching moment when she realized her son was missing. She had left home shortly after Ahmir, accompanied by her ninth-grade daughter. As authorities arrived and blocked access to the school complex, Jolliff frantically searched the streets for her children. Fortunately, her daughter was found unharmed, but Ahmir was nowhere to be found.

Filled with dread, Jolliff said, “I just had a feeling he was still in that building.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Jolliff was horrified to learn that friends of the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, claimed he had been bullied for years. They allege that teachers and school officials failed to protect him. Despite her own grief, Jolliff extended her condolences to Dylan’s family, saying, “We send our condolences to the family of Dylan; they’re in our prayers, and we’re truly sorry for his loss as well.”

The shooting occurred just after 7:30 a.m. Thursday, moments before classes were set to begin. According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the incident started in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. The violence spilled outside the cafeteria but remained contained to the north end of the school.

Authorities revealed that Butler had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. They also discovered a “pretty rudimentary” improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which was safely neutralized.

As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are looking into Butler’s background and the overall school environment. Two friends of the shooter, along with their mother, disclosed to the Associated Press that Butler had been a quiet person who had experienced bullying since elementary school.

Superintendent Clark Wicks declined to comment on whether Butler had been bullied but defended the district’s response to such situations. He emphasized, “We take every bullying situation seriously, and our goal is to always have a safe and inviting atmosphere.”

Perry, a town of approximately 8,000 residents located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, is on the outskirts of the state capital’s metropolitan area. Perry High School is part of the Perry Community School District, serving 1,785 students.

Ahmir’s mother fondly remembered her son as a beacon of happiness and sociability. She described him as someone who seemed to know everyone in town and whose dimpled smile never faded.

“He was so well-loved, and he loved everyone,” Jolliff said. “He was such an outgoing person.”

While Jolliff was unaware of Butler’s personal circumstances, she expressed sympathy for him. She hopes that administrators will recognize the importance of checking on students’ well-being to prevent future tragedies.

“I just pray that what we lost isn’t in vain and that other measures can be implemented within the school system,” Jolliff said.

Associated Press writer Ryan J. Foley contributed to this report from Iowa City, Iowa.

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