LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A tragic shooting outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center on Wednesday afternoon left one woman dead and prompted immediate lockdown measures at the school. Authorities have identified the victim as Michelle Butler, a 36-year-old employee of the Little Rock School District (LRSD). The shooting, which appears to have been related to a domestic situation, occurred near 15th and Bragg Streets, close to the I-30 and I-630 interchange. Duane Nooner, 29, was arrested later that evening by Officer Hayes Jalise, who took the suspect into custody without incident. He is now facing charges of capital murder.

The incident left the LRSD community in shock, with staff members witnessing the traumatic event. Despite the tragic nature of the crime, no students were directly involved or harmed. The district has expressed its heartbreak over the loss and emphasized the swift and effective actions taken to ensure student safety during the crisis.

What Happened:

The deadly shooting occurred around 2:54 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center in Little Rock. Police responded quickly to the scene after reports of gunfire. Upon arriving, officers found Michelle Butler unresponsive in a parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Butler was pronounced dead at the scene.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. confirmed that the victim was an LRSD employee and that the shooting was likely tied to a domestic situation. “We believe the perpetrator of this heinous crime had a connection to the victim,” said Mayor Scott.

He also expressed his sorrow and outrage, calling the incident “senseless violence” and stressing the proximity of the crime to the school’s children. Mayor Scott praised the Rockefeller staff for their quick response, ensuring the safety of the students during the crisis.

The Arrest of Duane Nooner:

Duane Nooner, the 29-year-old suspect, was arrested later that evening by Officer Hayes Jalise. Nooner was taken into custody without incident, and authorities confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public. He is now facing charges of capital murder in connection with the death of Michelle Butler.

The Little Rock Police Department has not released further details regarding Nooner’s relationship with Butler, though investigators have indicated that the incident appears to be related to a domestic dispute. Law enforcement continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is working to gather more information from witnesses and potential sources.

Immediate Response from the Little Rock School District:

In the wake of the shooting, the Little Rock School District (LRSD) acted swiftly to protect its students and staff. The district issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of Michelle Butler, describing the shooting as a “tragic domestic incident.” While no students were directly involved, the emotional toll on the staff, particularly those who witnessed the event, was profound.

“The Little Rock School District is heartbroken to share that a tragic domestic incident occurred outside, near Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, this afternoon. This was an isolated incident, and a suspect is now in custody. 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 read.

Staff members at the school immediately implemented emergency protocols using the Centegix CrisisAlert system, which placed the school on lockdown and ensured students were kept safe. No students were harmed, and parents were notified promptly to pick up their children. They were escorted safely into the building by school staff.

Mental Health Support and Community Response:

Following the traumatic incident, the district has deployed counselors and social workers to provide support for students, staff, and families. LRSD officials acknowledged the emotional toll that the event had on the school community and committed to offering resources to help them cope with the aftermath.

“We are grateful to the administration and staff at Rockefeller, who immediately implemented our emergency protocols by using our Centegix CrisisAlert badges to communicate and placing the school on lockdown,” the district statement continued. “No students witnessed the incident or were in harm’s way. Parents were contacted to pick up their children and were escorted into the building.”

Mental health experts have emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional impact of such events, particularly for students who may have been indirectly affected by the violence. “Even if students were not physically harmed, witnessing or hearing about violence can have lasting effects on their mental well-being,” said a local therapist. “It’s crucial for the community to rally around these individuals and offer support during this difficult time.”

Little Rock’s Reaction and Public Safety Concerns:

The shooting has raised concerns about domestic violence and its potential to spill over into public spaces, including schools. Local officials, including Mayor Scott, have called for greater efforts to combat domestic violence and ensure the safety of residents, particularly in areas close to schools.

“This should never, ever happen, and we must continue to do everything we can to prevent this type of senseless violence in our City,” Mayor Scott said in a statement. “We are outraged, angry, and heartbroken that this crime occurred in such proximity to our precious children.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, local law enforcement assured the public that there was no ongoing threat. “This was an isolated incident, and we have the suspect in custody,” said Little Rock Police Chief Michael Davis. “We are committed to continuing our work to keep this community safe.”

Investigation and Next Steps:

The Little Rock Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Michelle Butler’s death. Authorities have not yet disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the relationship between Butler and Duane Nooner, though it is believed to be related to a domestic dispute. Investigators are examining all available evidence, including any prior incidents or reports related to the suspect or the victim.

“We are working closely with the Little Rock Police Department as they investigate,” said LRSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Marshall. “Our focus right now is on supporting our community and ensuring that all those affected by this tragedy receive the help they need.”

Nooner’s legal team has not yet made a public statement, and he is expected to face formal charges in the coming days. The investigation remains active, and police are continuing to gather information from witnesses and potential sources.

Community Healing and Moving Forward:

The Little Rock community is coming together to support those affected by the shooting. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of unity and compassion during this difficult time. A memorial for Michelle Butler is expected to be held in the coming days, and local churches have offered their prayers and support to the LRSD community.

“This has been a devastating time for everyone involved,” said one community organizer. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Michelle’s family, the staff at Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, and the students who were impacted by this terrible event.”

The Little Rock School District is committed to continuing its efforts to create a safe and nurturing environment for students and staff, especially in the wake of this tragedy. School officials have vowed to increase security and mental health resources to support those affected by the incident.

Conclusion:

The tragic death of Michelle Butler has left the Little Rock community in shock, but the swift response from school officials, law enforcement, and the community as a whole has helped to ensure that no further harm came to students during the incident. While the investigation into Duane Nooner’s involvement in the shooting continues, the LRSD community remains focused on providing support for all those impacted by the tragic event. As more details emerge, the community is holding Michelle Butler’s family in their thoughts and prayers, with hopes for healing and justice in the weeks to come.

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