Ahmir Jolliff – Remembering the Tragic Loss of a Young Life in Perry High School Shooting

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI

Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ahmir Jolliff, affectionately known as “Smiley,” was an 11-year-old boy filled with boundless energy and joy. As the first day back to school after winter break approached, Ahmir eagerly dashed out of his home in Perry, Iowa, excited to see his friends. Tragically, his infectious spirit was abruptly extinguished when a 17-year-old student at Perry High School opened fire in the cafeteria, taking Ahmir’s innocent life along with seven others.

Ahmir was a whirlwind of cheerful activity, known for his generosity and kindness. His mother, Erica Jolliff, fondly remembered how he kept a trunk of toys unlocked in the front yard for anyone to enjoy. Ahmir was passionate about soccer, played the tuba, and loved singing in the choir. He had a unique habit of touching people on their shoulder, asking them how their day was. Ahmir’s presence brought light and happiness to those around him.

On that fateful morning, Ahmir couldn’t contain his excitement and left for school minutes ahead of his mother and ninth-grade sister. As authorities descended upon the school complex following the shooting, Erica Jolliff frantically searched for her children. Thankfully, her daughter was found unharmed, but Ahmir was nowhere to be seen. Fearing the worst, Jolliff couldn’t shake the feeling that her beloved son was still inside the building.

As the shock of the tragedy settled, disturbing accounts emerged from friends of the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler. They revealed that Butler had been subjected to years of bullying, with little intervention from teachers and school officials. Erica Jolliff, in an interview with The Associated Press, extended her condolences to Dylan’s family, emphasizing that their thoughts and prayers were with them as well.

The shooting unfolded just after 7:30 a.m., moments before classes were scheduled to begin. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation confirmed that the incident started in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast, before spilling outside and being contained to the school’s north end. Butler, armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, inflicted harm on multiple individuals before taking his own life.

Authorities discovered a crudely constructed improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings. Thanks to their swift action, the device was rendered safe, averting further potential harm. However, investigators are still piecing together the puzzle of who Dylan Butler truly was. They are examining his background and delving into the school’s environment to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to this devastating event.

Superintendent Clark Wicks declined to comment on whether Butler had experienced bullying but emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing such issues seriously. Wicks affirmed their dedication to fostering a safe and inviting atmosphere for all students.

Perry, with its population of approximately 8,000 residents, is situated about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, on the outskirts of the state capital’s metropolitan area. The Perry Community School District, encompassing the high school where the tragedy unfolded, has a student body of 1,785.

Erica Jolliff cherished memories of her son as a beacon of happiness and sociability. Ahmir possessed an uncanny ability to connect with everyone he encountered, leaving an indelible mark on the community. His mother expressed her sympathy for Dylan Butler, emphasizing the importance of administrators proactively checking on students’ well-being. Jolliff’s hope is that Ahmir’s untimely loss serves as a catalyst for implementing measures within the school system to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.

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