Perry school shooting update: Iowa officials release name of slain student

PERRY, Iowa (WOWT) - Iowa authorities have identified the sixth-grader killed in Thursday’s shooting at the high school in Perry, Iowa.

Ahmir Jolliff, 11, died after he was shot three times by 17-year-old Dylan Butler, who died by suicide after turning a gun on himself, according to the Iowa State Medical Examiner

Friday’s report from the Iowa Department of Public Safety increased the total number of additional victims to seven. Among them was PHS Principal Dan Marger, who authorities said suffered mulitple gunshot wounds and remained in critical condition. His daughter posted a tribute Thursday night on Facebook, saying her dad — whom she referred to as a “gentle giant” — was in stable condition.

IDPS said his actions were heroic.

“The investigation thus far confirms Principal Marburger acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students,” the release states.

IDPS said the others — two additional school staffers and four students — were wounded to varying degrees during the shooting. The principal and two of the students were still in the hospital, but the rest had been treated and released.

The incident is still under investigation.

“Investigators have seized large volumes of digital and social media evidence that will take time to review. Background investigations, as well as eyewitness accounts and victim interviews, are continuing,” the release states.

Once the investigative report is finalized, DCI will turn it over to the Dallas County Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether any additional course of action is needed.

Perry’s mayor, the superintendent of schools, and other area officials held a news conference Friday afteroon to give more updates.

“This is an extremely painful and difficult time for our entire school community, and in our grief, we will take time to remember,” said Clark Wicks, superintendent of PCSD.

During the update, they said high school classes had been canceled for at least all of next week; elementary and middle school student could return as early as next Friday.

Officials will be providing grab-and-go lunches from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. throughout for those students who need them.

A fund has been set up at Raccoon Valley Bank under the Perry School Foundation. Those wishing to make other sorts of donations were asked to send an email.

The school posted Thursday that counseling services were being provided for several hours Friday and Saturday. Officials emphasized mental health support and resources again on Friday, noting that the schools, the city, and the Heartland Area Education Agency were cooperating to provide services, including referrals for students, parents, and school community members.