The Iowa Attorney General’s Office announced today that the fatal shooting of James Young Sherrill on July 1, 2025, by officers from the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, and Monticello Police Department was legally justified.
The conclusion follows an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which reviewed the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to the report, members of the Dubuque Drug Task Force, along with other local agencies, stopped Sherrill’s vehicle on July 1 as part of an ongoing drug investigation. Initially, Sherrill appeared cooperative, shutting off his engine and placing his hands outside the window. However, when ordered to hand over his keys and exit the vehicle, he repeatedly refused for several minutes.
When Sherrill restarted the truck’s engine, Dubuque County Sgt. Adam Williams intervened, leading to a physical struggle over the keys. Sherrill was tased twice but continued resisting. Moments later, he began raising a handgun toward Sgt. Williams. Dubuque Police Officer Chad Leitzen fired at Sherrill, but despite being struck, Sherrill continued to wrestle with Sgt. Williams for control of the gun. Sgt. Williams, Officer Leitzen, and Monticello Police Officer Cole Millard then fired until Sherrill was no longer a threat.
Sherrill was pronounced dead while being transported to Dubuque County Hospital.
A search of his truck uncovered more than five pounds of methamphetamine, suspected heroin, cocaine, marijuana, a drug scale, over $15,000 in cash, and a ledger. Investigators also noted Sherrill’s history of firearms convictions and his reputation for carrying weapons. Officers were aware he had previously stated he would commit “suicide by cop” rather than return to prison.
The Attorney General’s Office determined the officers’ use of deadly force was justified, citing Sherrill’s repeated defiance of commands, physical resistance, possession of a firearm, and the immediate threat to Sgt. Williams and others at the scene.
The full report was released under the Attorney General’s authority in Iowa Code section 13.12, which allows independent review of law enforcement actions that result in death.
A copy of the report is available here.
