Tragedy Strikes Perry as 11-Year-Old Ahmir Jolliff Falls Victim to School Shooting

Ahmir Jolliff, fondly known as “Smiley” by his loved ones, was filled with excitement as he left his home in Perry on Thursday morning. It was the first day back to school after winter break, and he couldn’t wait to reunite with his friends. Ahmir, an 11-year-old boy filled with cheerful energy, had a heartwarming habit of leaving a trunk of toys unlocked in his front yard, welcoming anyone to play with them. He enjoyed soccer, played the tuba, and sang in the choir. Ahmir was also known for his kind gestures, often touching people’s shoulders and asking about their day.

Tragically, Ahmir’s joy and innocence were shattered that morning. Just before classes were scheduled to begin, a 17-year-old student at Perry High School opened fire in the cafeteria. Ahmir, who attended the connected middle school, was shot three times and lost his life. The shooter, later identified as Dylan Butler, eventually took his own life after injuring seven others, including the school’s principal, two staff members, and four students.

Erica Jolliff, Ahmir’s devastated mother, recounted the morning’s events. She shared that her son couldn’t contain his excitement and left for school a few minutes earlier than her and Ahmir’s ninth-grade sister. As authorities rushed into town and blocked access to the complex following the shooting, Jolliff frantically searched for her children. Thankfully, she found her daughter unharmed, but Ahmir was nowhere to be found.

Jolliff expressed her horror upon learning that Dylan Butler had allegedly been a victim of long-term bullying. Friends of the 17-year-old shooter claimed that he had endured years of torment, with teachers and school officials allegedly failing to protect him. Despite her own grief, Jolliff extended her condolences to Butler’s family, acknowledging their loss in this tragic incident.

In honor of Ahmir, the school repainted a rock outside in bright blue, the school’s color. The rock, previously white, had already become a memorial site adorned with teddy bears and flowers, serving as a solemn reminder of the young life lost.

The shooting occurred just after 7:30 a.m. in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. The chaos spilled outside the cafeteria but remained contained in the north end of the school. The authorities discovered that Butler was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Additionally, they found a crude improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which was safely rendered ineffective.

While investigators are still piecing together the events and gaining insight into Dylan Butler’s background, two friends and their mother spoke to the Associated Press, revealing that Butler had been a quiet individual who had been bullied since elementary school. The ongoing investigation aims to understand both Butler’s personal circumstances and the overall school environment.