Heartbreaking Incident Shakes Perry, Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa –

The close-knit community of Perry, Iowa, is reeling from a devastating incident that occurred on Thursday morning, as students returned to school after the winter break. Ahmir Jolliff, an 11-year-old student affectionately known as “Smiley,” was tragically killed in a shooting at Perry Middle School, which shares its premises with Perry High School. The incident, carried out by a 17-year-old student identified as Dylan Butler, also left seven others wounded before the shooter took his own life.

Ahmir Jolliff, known for his vibrant personality and zest for life, was eagerly looking forward to reuniting with his friends on that fateful morning. Described as a whirlwind of cheerful activity, Ahmir was beloved by all who knew him. He had a generous spirit, keeping a trunk of toys in his front yard for anyone to enjoy. Additionally, Ahmir was a talented soccer player, a tuba player, and an enthusiastic member of his school choir. His endearing habit of touching people on the shoulder and asking about their day touched the hearts of many.

Ahmir’s mother, Erica Jolliff, expressed her anguish as she recounted the events of that day. She had left home with her daughter, who attended Perry High School, moments after Ahmir had excitedly rushed to school. When authorities arrived at the scene and blocked access to the complex following the shooting, Erica found her daughter safe but was unable to locate Ahmir. Overwhelmed with worry, she held onto hope that her son was still inside the building.

Disturbingly, friends of the shooter, Dylan Butler, claim that he had been subjected to years of bullying, alleging that teachers and school officials failed to protect him. Erica Jolliff, in an interview with The Associated Press, expressed her condolences to Dylan’s family, acknowledging their pain. The investigation into the incident aims to shed light on both Dylan’s background and the overall school environment.

The tragic event unfolded at around 7:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. The violence spilled outside the cafeteria but remained confined to the north end of the school. Dylan Butler was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Authorities also discovered an improvised explosive device in his possession, which was safely neutralized.

Superintendent Clark Wicks refrained from discussing details about the bullying allegations against Dylan Butler. However, he emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing bullying incidents seriously and fostering a safe and inviting atmosphere for all students.

Perry, a close-knit community with approximately 8,000 residents, is located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The Perry Community School District, which encompasses the high school, serves a population of 1,785 students.

Remembering her son, Erica Jolliff described Ahmir as a beacon of happiness and sociability, someone who was adored by everyone in town. His infectious smile and friendly demeanor touched the lives of many, making him a cherished member of the community.

Expressing her sympathy for Dylan Butler, Erica Jolliff hopes that this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for school administrators to prioritize the well-being of their students. She prays that lessons learned from their loss will lead to enhanced measures within the school system.

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