Ahmir Jolliff Tragically killed in Perry High School Shooting

Expanded Report on the Heartbreaking Incident in Des Moines, Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ahmir Jolliff, an 11-year-old boy fondly known as “Smiley,” had an infectious enthusiasm as he hurriedly left his Perry home on Thursday morning, excited to reconnect with his friends on the first day back to school after the winter break.

This vibrant and cheerful young boy had a zest for life. Always full of energy, Ahmir loved to share his toys with anyone who passed by, keeping a trunk of playthings in the front yard, accessible to all. He was a talented soccer player, played the tuba, and enjoyed singing in the choir. Ahmir had a habit of reaching out to people, touching their shoulder, and genuinely inquiring about their day.

Tragically, Ahmir’s infectious smile was extinguished before the school day even began. A 17-year-old student at Perry High School unleashed gunfire in the cafeteria, resulting in Ahmir’s untimely demise. The sixth-grader, who attended the middle school connected to the high school, suffered three gunshot wounds. Additionally, seven other individuals, including the school’s principal, two staff members, and four students, sustained injuries before the shooter took his own life.

Erica Jolliff, Ahmir’s grieving mother, shared that on that fateful morning, her son couldn’t contain his excitement for school and left a few minutes ahead of her and his ninth-grade sister. As authorities swiftly arrived in town, blocking access to the school complex after the shooting, Jolliff found herself frantically searching the streets for her children. Fortunately, her daughter was unharmed, but Ahmir was nowhere to be found.

“I just had this feeling that he was still inside that building,” Jolliff expressed with anguish.

The devastated mother was horrified to learn that friends of the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, claimed he had been a victim of persistent bullying for years. Shockingly, they revealed that teachers and school officials had done nothing to protect him from this torment.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Jolliff extended her condolences to Dylan’s family, stating, “We send our condolences to the family of Dylan; they’re in our prayers, and we’re truly sorry for his loss as well.”

In remembrance of Ahmir, the school painted a rock outside its premises bright blue, symbolizing the school color. Previously white, the rock had already transformed into a memorial site adorned with teddy bears and flowers.

The shooting unfolded shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, just before classes were scheduled to commence on the first day back from winter break. According to Mitch Mortvedt, a spokesperson for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the incident initiated in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. The chaos spilled outside the cafeteria but remained confined to the school’s north end.

Authorities discovered that Butler possessed a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Additionally, they found a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which was safely rendered inert.

While investigators delve into Dylan Butler’s background and the school environment to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation, Superintendent Clark Wicks refrained from commenting on the bullying allegations. Nevertheless, he defended the district’s commitment to addressing such incidents seriously, emphasizing their goal of fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

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

Erica Jolliff reminisced about her son, describing him as a wellspring of happiness and sociability. Ahmir seemed to know everyone in town, and his dimpled smile radiated joy.

“He was deeply loved, and he loved everyone,” Jolliff fondly recalled. “His outgoing nature was truly remarkable.”

While Jolliff remained unaware of the specifics surrounding Butler’s circumstances, she expressed sympathy for him. Jolliff hopes that administrators recognize the importance of regularly checking on students’ well-being to prevent such tragedies.

“I pray that the loss we have suffered will not be in vain and that significant changes will be implemented within the school system,” Jolliff earnestly stated.

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Contributed by Ryan J. Foley, Associated Press writer, from Iowa City, Iowa.