(Dubuque Co) The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has ruled the July 1, 2025, fatal shooting of James Young Sherrill by Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque, and Monticello police officers was legally justified.
An Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation review found Sherrill, under investigation for drug activity, resisted a traffic stop, struggled with a deputy, ignored commands, and twice withstood being tased. He then grabbed a handgun and began to raise it toward Sgt. Adam Williams. Officers Chad Leitzen and Cole Millard joined Williams in firing until Sherrill was no longer a threat.
Sherrill was carrying a knife, handgun, more than five pounds of methamphetamine, other drugs, $15,000 in cash, and a ledger. Officers knew he had prior firearms convictions, often went armed, and had said he would commit “suicide by cop” rather than return to prison.
