Perry High School Shooting Identified as Victim Count Increases

PERRY, Iowa – An 11-year-old sixth grade student named Ahmir Jolliff was one of the eight victims in a mass shooting at Perry High School. Authorities revealed that Jolliff was shot three times during the “horrific incident” that took place before the school day had begun. Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who was injured in the shooting, is currently in critical condition and has been praised for his heroic actions.

The shooting took place in Perry, a suburb northwest of Des Moines, and resulted in seven other individuals receiving wounds or injuries of varying degrees. Meanwhile, two other students remain hospitalized, and the suspected shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities found Butler with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, along with a “rudimentary” explosive device at the school.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with large volumes of digital and social media evidence being reviewed. The Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting background investigations, eyewitness accounts, and victim interviews while working to determine a possible motive. The agency will ultimately submit a report to the Dallas County Attorney’s Office to determine any additional course of action. Despite reports of bullying, the school district superintendent has not commented on the suspect’s disciplinary record, emphasizing the district’s commitment to addressing every bullying situation seriously.

The Perry Community School District remains closed in the aftermath of the “horrific incident,” with plans to reopen the elementary and middle schools as early as Jan. 12. However, high school students will not return until after next week, as the district works to clean and repair damage to the building. As investigations continue, the community of Perry, Iowa, remains in shock and grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy.