Perry, Iowa – A tragic shooting at Perry High School on Jan. 4 left the principal, Dan Marburger, critically injured after he bravely attempted to shield students from the shooter. This act of heroism tragically ended with the sixth-grade student, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, losing his life. The shooter, identified as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, took his own life after causing harm to several others in the school.
Jolliff’s cause of death was attributed to three gunshot wounds inflicted by Butler, while Principal Marburger sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition. In addition to the principal and students, a few staff members also suffered injuries during the violent incident that broke out in the school’s cafeteria before the start of classes that day.
Following the shooting, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds addressed the Perry community during a press conference, offering condolences and expressing solidarity with the grieving community. The governor vowed to work tirelessly to uncover answers and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, authorities continue their investigation. They have collected significant amounts of digital and social media evidence, which will require time for thorough review. Background investigations, eyewitness accounts, and victim interviews are ongoing, with the Division of Criminal Investigation committed to delivering a comprehensive report to the Dallas County Attorney’s Office upon completion.
As the Perry community mourns the loss of a young life and rallies around the injured, it remains imperative for the investigators to diligently pursue the truth and determine the appropriate course of action to address this senseless tragedy.
To honor Ahmir Jolliff and the others impacted by the shooting, the Perry community is coming together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as they navigate this challenging time.