CEDAR FALLS — A 16-year-old Northern Iowa suspect has been charged as an adult after he allegedly shot and killed another teenager with a shotgun inside a mobile home, according to police and court records.
Dakota Brandon Berky, 16 of Cedar Falls, is charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon with intent, a Class C felony, in connection with the death of 16-year-old Jeremiah Butler of Waterloo.
Cedar Falls police were called to a reported disorderly situation at approximately 2:35 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2026, in the 700 block of West Ridgeway Avenue.
The shooting occurred inside a mobile home at Country Terrace Mobile Home Park, according to court documents.
Officers reportedly found Butler lying in the doorway of the home suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency personnel transported him to MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
A witness told investigators that Berky was inside the mobile home with another juvenile when Butler entered through the front door. Berky allegedly fired a 12-gauge shotgun at Butler.
Court records allege Berky then called Black Hawk County emergency dispatchers and said he was “going to jail” following the shooting.
Investigators found footprints near the rear of the mobile home that allegedly matched the shoes Berky was wearing. Officers located Berky waiting nearby and recovered the shotgun, according to the criminal complaint.
Cedar Falls police arrested Berky at approximately 3:49 p.m. The police department’s arrest record lists the case under incident number 26-023797.
Berky was initially booked into the Black Hawk County Jail and held on a $500,000 bond.
Although both Berky and Butler were 16, authorities filed the criminal charge against Berky in adult court. Under Iowa law, certain serious felony cases involving defendants age 16 or older begin in adult district court, although the defendant may ask a judge to transfer the case back to juvenile court.
Intimidation with a dangerous weapon with intent is committed when a person, intending to injure or provoke fear or anger, discharges a dangerous weapon inside or toward an occupied building, vehicle or gathering of people and places others in reasonable fear of serious injury.
A Class C felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine ranging from $1,370 to $13,660.
Despite Butler’s death, authorities had announced only the intimidation charge in the initial court filing. No murder or manslaughter charge was disclosed. Cedar Falls police said the investigation remained active, meaning additional or amended charges could be considered as investigators and prosecutors review the evidence.
Cedar Falls Public Safety was assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Black Hawk County Consolidated Communications, Hudson Police Department and MercyOne paramedics.
Berky is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.