PERRY, Iowa — Editor's Note: The below story includes details and descriptions that may be graphic or disturbing to some
The Dallas County Attorney's Office has released an investigative summary into the fatal Perry High School shooting from earlier this year.
On Thursday, Jan. 4, 17-year-old Perry High School student Dylan Butler killed two people and injured six before taking his own life.
Footage from the school's surveillance system, officers' body cameras and the shooter's livestream were all thoroughly investigated to establish an exact chain of events, Dallas County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie wrote in her summary.
Authorities said that Butler entered the high school at 7:12 a.m. carrying a pump action shotgun, revolver, knife and an improvised explosive device (IED).
Following the investigation, it is believed Butler may have stolen the shotgun as its origin is still unconfirmed. The revolver was determined to be unsecured in his home in a place he could access it, and the IED was rudimentary and would have caused minimal damage if it had been detonated.
Timeline of the day
Times listed below are directly from Ritchie's summary, which can be read in full at the bottom of this story
- 7:12:27 a.m. — Butler entered Perry High School through the school’s main entrance.
- 7:12:55 a.m. — Butler entered a student restroom in a hallway adjacent to the commons area.
- 7:34:50 a.m. — Butler started a social media livestream broadcast inside the restroom.
- 7:35:02 a.m. — Butler fired the first of 23 shots from the Remington 870 shotgun, striking Ahmir Jolliff.
- 7:35:12 a.m. — The School Emergency Alert Response System (SEARS activation from inside the school is received by the Dallas County Communications Center.
- 7:35:37 a.m. — The Dallas County Communication Center received the first 911 call from a student inside Perry High School.
- 7:36:42 a.m. — Butler fired his final shot, striking Principal Dan Marburger.
- 7:36:43 a.m. — Law enforcement officers were notified of the SEARS activation and reports of an active shooter inside Perry High School.
- 7:37:42 a.m. — The first law enforcement officer, Perry Officer Micaela Zagar, arrived at Perry High School.
- 7:38:01 a.m. — Ofc. Zagar entered the school and actively attempted to locate Butler.
- 7:39:23 a.m. — Butler fired a final shot, taking his own life.
- 7:40:39 a.m. — Ofc. Zagar and Perry Police Officer Josh Moore found Butler deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Marburger passed away from his injuries 10 days after the shooting.
The attorney's office has concluded after its investigation that Butler did act alone, and that no criminal charges will be filed against anyone.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety is set to hold a news conference Friday morning regarding the investigation.
County attorney's conclusion
The examination of facts has led this office to conclude that Butler acted alone in planning and carrying out the events of January 4, 2024. As the lead prosecutor, it is my duty to hold individuals accountable for their actions when the evidence leads me there. However, in this case the evidence does not support charges at the state level against anyone.
While this decision marks the conclusion of the investigation, the impact of this tragedy on the victims, their families, and the entire community remains profound. We extend our continued support to those affected and will stand by them as the community heals from this devastating loss. I want to reiterate my gratitude to law enforcement, school officials, and first responders who acted with professionalism and dedication throughout this process.
Active parental involvement in a child’s life, including open communication, monitoring social interactions, and actively engaging with their school, is crucial in preventing mental health issues and mitigating the risk of school violence. If you see something, say something. We must work together, not only in response in these tragedies but also in our collective effort to prevent them from happening again. School shootings must stop, and it will take all of us—law enforcement, educators, lawmakers and community members—to protect our children and ensure that our schools remain safe environments for learning and growth.