Ahmir Jolliff, 11-Year-Old Victim of Perry High School Shooting in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ahmir Jolliff, a vibrant and cheerful 11-year-old boy from Perry, Iowa, tragically lost his life in a school shooting incident on Thursday. Known as “Smiley” around his house, Ahmir was full of energy and loved connecting with people. He had a trunk of toys in his front yard for anyone to play with, played soccer, was part of the school choir, and even played the tuba. Ahmir had a habit of touching people on their shoulder and asking them about their day.

The horrific incident occurred before classes even started, when a 17-year-old student at Perry High School opened fire in the cafeteria. Ahmir, a sixth-grader attending the middle school connected to the high school, was shot three times, while seven others, including the school’s principal, two staff members, and four students, were also wounded. The shooter later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On the morning of the incident, Ahmir eagerly left his home minutes ahead of his mother and sister, excited to reunite with his friends after the winter break. His mother, Erica Jolliff, found herself searching the streets for her children when authorities arrived in town and restricted access to the school complex. Fortunately, Ahmir’s sister was unharmed, but Erica couldn’t locate Ahmir.

Erica Jolliff via AP

Erica Jolliff expressed her horror upon learning that friends of the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, claimed he had been a victim of long-term bullying, with no protective measures taken by teachers or school officials. She extended her condolences to Dylan’s family and emphasized the importance of checking on students’ well-being.

In honor of Ahmir, a rock outside the school was repainted in bright blue, the school’s color. The rock, previously white, has become a memorial site adorned with teddy bears and flowers.

The shooting occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on the first day back to school after winter break. According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the incident began in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast, before spilling outside. However, the authorities contained the situation to the north end of the school. The shooter possessed a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Additionally, an improvised explosive device was found in the shooter’s belongings but was safely rendered inert.

Friends of Dylan Butler mentioned that he was a quiet individual who had been subjected to bullying since elementary school. The investigation is ongoing, aiming to understand both Dylan’s background and the school’s environment. Superintendent Clark Wicks refused to comment on the bullying allegations but affirmed the district’s commitment to addressing such situations and maintaining a safe atmosphere.

Perry, with a population of approximately 8,000 residents, is located about 40 miles (65 kilometers) northwest of Des Moines, on the outskirts of the state capital’s metropolitan area. The Perry Community School District, which includes the high school, serves 1,785 students.

Ahmir’s mother fondly remembers him as a source of joy and sociability, describing him as someone who seemed to know everyone in town. His constant grin, accentuated by his prominent dimples, illuminated the lives of those around him. Erica Jolliff hopes that the tragic loss of her son serves as a catalyst for implementing necessary changes within the school system to ensure the well-being of all students.