LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Tragedy struck the Little Rock School District (LRSD) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, when 36-year-old Michelle Butler, an employee at the district, was fatally shot outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center in Little Rock. Authorities identified Duane Nooner, a 29-year-old man, as the suspect in the shooting, which police believe stemmed from a domestic dispute. Nooner was apprehended later that evening and is now facing charges of capital murder in connection with Butler’s death.

The heartbreaking event left the school community reeling, prompting immediate action from district officials to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Though no students were directly involved in the incident, the emotional toll on the community has been significant. The district has since initiated extensive support for those affected by the traumatic event, including staff members who witnessed the shooting.

What Happened:

The shooting occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 20, 2025, outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Police received reports of shots fired in the parking lot near the school and immediately responded to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that Michelle Butler, a 36-year-old employee of the Little Rock School District, had been shot multiple times.

Butler was tragically pronounced dead at the scene from her injuries. Investigators quickly determined that the shooting appeared to have been related to a domestic dispute, although the exact details surrounding the altercation are still under investigation. The suspect, later identified as Duane Nooner, fled the scene following the shooting, but police were able to track him down later that evening.

The Arrest of Duane Nooner:

Duane Nooner, a 29-year-old man, was taken into custody by the Little Rock Police Department after an intensive search. Officer Hayes Jalise, who was instrumental in making the arrest, confirmed that Nooner was apprehended without incident. Police have confirmed that the shooting is being treated as an isolated domestic situation, and authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Nooner is currently facing a charge of capital murder in connection with the death of Michelle Butler. He remains in custody as the investigation continues, and more information regarding the specifics of the domestic relationship between Nooner and Butler is expected to be revealed as the case progresses.

The Immediate Response from the Little Rock School District:

The tragic events unfolded just outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, a facility that serves young children in the Little Rock area. Following the shooting, school officials acted swiftly to protect students and staff within the building.

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) immediately issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of Butler, one of their own employees. “The Little Rock School District is heartbroken to share that a tragic domestic incident occurred outside, near Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, this afternoon,” the district said in a statement. “This was an isolated incident, and a suspect is now in custody.”

Despite the shocking nature of the event, the district emphasized that no students were directly involved or harmed. School staff quickly activated Centegix CrisisAlert badges, an emergency safety system used in district schools, to ensure that students were protected. The activation of these alerts placed the school on lockdown, and students were safely sheltered inside the building during the chaotic moments following the shooting.

Ensuring Safety of Students and Staff:

The safety measures taken by the district were crucial in minimizing harm to students. Parents were promptly contacted and informed of the situation. In a carefully coordinated effort, parents were safely escorted into the building to pick up their children as soon as the lockdown was lifted.

District officials also took immediate steps to provide emotional support for students and staff affected by the traumatic event. In addition to offering counseling services for staff members who witnessed the shooting, LRSD deployed counselors and social workers to provide support for the students, staff, and families impacted by the incident.

“Although no students were involved, we are aware that this event has had a profound impact on our entire school community, particularly on the staff members who witnessed the incident,” the district’s statement continued. “We ask our community to keep the Rockefeller ECC family in their thoughts and prayers. LRSD will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

The Emotional Impact on the Community:

The shooting outside Rockefeller Early Childhood Center has left the entire Little Rock community devastated. While no children were harmed, the emotional toll on staff members, students, and families has been immeasurable. Many staff members at the center witnessed the shooting, and the trauma of seeing such a violent event unfold has affected the school community deeply.

One staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that the event felt surreal. “We are just trying to make sense of what happened. It’s hard to process because it happened so suddenly. This is not something you expect to see in your workplace, especially not in front of the children,” the staff member said. “But we’re all coming together to support each other, and we’re doing the best we can to help the kids feel safe.”

Several parents who were contacted after the incident expressed their relief that no students were harmed, but they also expressed concern for the emotional well-being of their children. Many voiced their gratitude to the school district for the swift actions taken to protect students and ensure their safety.

Domestic Violence and Community Response:

While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities have stated that the shooting was related to a domestic situation between Michelle Butler and Duane Nooner. This tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about domestic violence and its impact on communities.

Advocates for domestic violence awareness have emphasized the importance of recognizing the warning signs of abusive relationships and ensuring that resources are available to those in need. “Domestic violence often takes place behind closed doors, but it can have devastating effects not only on the victim but on the broader community as well,” said a representative from the Arkansas Domestic Violence Coalition. “It’s crucial that we continue to provide support and resources for those affected by abuse and work to prevent tragedies like this from occurring.”

The Little Rock School District, while offering condolences to Butler’s family and staff, has also promised to continue its efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for all employees, students, and their families.

“We know that tragedies like this affect not just those involved but entire communities. We remain committed to providing the emotional support and resources needed during this difficult time,” said LRSD Superintendent, Dr. Michael Marshall.

Investigation and Next Steps:

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and authorities are working to gather all available evidence to build a case against Duane Nooner. Investigators are focused on understanding the dynamics of the domestic situation that led to the shooting, as well as identifying any potential warning signs that could have been addressed before the tragedy occurred.

Police have asked anyone with information about the events leading up to the shooting to come forward and assist with the investigation. They are particularly interested in any information related to Nooner and Butler’s relationship or any prior incidents that may have been reported.

As for the school community, LRSD officials have pledged to continue supporting those affected by the tragic loss of Michelle Butler. Counselors will remain on-site in the coming weeks to provide ongoing mental health support for students and staff, and the district has expressed a commitment to ensuring that the emotional needs of the community are met.

Conclusion:

The fatal shooting of Michelle Butler outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center has left a deep wound in the Little Rock community. While the swift response by school officials and law enforcement ensured the safety of students and staff, the emotional impact of the event cannot be underestimated. As the investigation continues and the community begins to heal, thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Michelle Butler. The Little Rock School District remains committed to supporting all those affected and ensuring that the tragedy does not overshadow the district’s mission to provide a safe, nurturing environment for all students.

This story is still developing. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.