Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, aged 57, died on January 14, 2024 from injuries sustained during a school shooting on January 4 at Perry High School.
The shooting, which occurred on the first day after the winter break, claimed the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, a sixth grader at Perry Middle School. In addition to Jolliff, the shooting resulted in injuries to four students, two staff members, and principal Marburger. The shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, was a student at Perry High School. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Marburger, who had been the principal of Perry High School since 1995, was critically injured after reportedly attempting to distract the shooter, thereby providing students with an opportunity to escape from the cafeteria, where the shooting began. He underwent surgery but succumbed to his injuries 10 days later.
Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa expressed her condolences and highlighted Marburger’s actions as selfless and heroic. In honor of Marburger, Reynolds ordered flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff. Marburger’s family described him as not just a principal, but a husband, father and beloved family member to many.
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing. Law enforcement officials and investigators are examining Butler’s background and the school environment to understand what led to the tragic events. Butler was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a handgun during the shooting.
Ahmir Jolliff’s death has deeply affected the community, with many memorializing him with a painted rock outside the school, adorned with school colors and accompanied by teddy bears and flowers. Jolliff’s mother, Erica Jolliff, expressed her devastation upon learning of her son’s death.
The motive for the shooting remains undisclosed. However, there is an ongoing investigation into whether bullying might have played a role. In the aftermath of the shooting, the schools in Perry remained closed as the community mourned and officials deliberated on next steps.