Authorities have identified the victim and suspect in a deadly shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center in Little Rock.
According to the Little Rock Police Department, 36-year-old Michelle Butler, an employee of the Little Rock School District, was shot and killed in a parking lot near the school.
Police later arrested 29-year-old Duane Nooner, who is now facing a charge of capital murder in connection with Butler’s death. Officials said Officer Hayes Jalise, also known as Jal Ise, took Nooner into custody without incident.
Investigators said the shooting appears to have stemmed from a domestic situation and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
In a statement, the Little Rock School District (LRSD) expressed its heartbreak and outlined the safety steps taken during the incident.
“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,” the district said.
Officials emphasized that no students were directly involved or harmed. Staff quickly implemented emergency protocols by activating Centegix CrisisAlert badges, placing the school on lockdown until the situation was secured. Parents were immediately contacted and escorted into the building to safely pick up their children.
The district also acknowledged the emotional toll on employees, noting that counselors and social workers have been deployed to support students, staff, and families.
“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 statement continued. “We ask our community to keep the Rockefeller ECC family in their thoughts and prayers.”
