LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — A tragic shooting unfolded near the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center on Wednesday afternoon, claimed the life of 36-year-old Michelle Butler, an early childhood pre-K aide at the center.
Little Rock police responded to the scene at Bragg Street and Fifteenth Street shortly before 3 p.m., where they found Butler suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite life-saving efforts by MEMS, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The center, one of five pre-kindergarten facilities within the Little Rock School District, went into lockdown immediately, although the shooting did not occur inside the facility and posed no immediate threat to other teachers and students.
Parents received emails from the district urging them to pick up their children.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. expressed his deep emotions in a press release, stating:
“Shortly before 3 p.m., an employee of the Little Rock School District was killed in a parking lot outside Rockefeller Early Childhood Center. A suspect is already in custody, and there is no further threat. We believe the perpetrator of this heinous crime had a connection to the victim. Little Rock police will share further details as they become available.
“This should never, ever happen, and we must continue to do everything we can to prevent this type of senseless violence in our City.
“We are outraged, angry and heartbroken that this crime occurred in such proximity to our precious children. At the same time we are grateful for the nurturing, caring hands of the Rockefeller staff that keep students safe today and every day. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the victim and her loved ones in this time of deep grief.
He extended his sympathies and prayers to Butler’s family and loved ones.
The suspect, 29-year-old Duane Nooner, is in custody and facing one count of capital murder.
Police revealed in a social media post that Butler and Nooner were in a relationship.
In response to the tragedy, the Little Rock School District is offering counseling services for staff members and students, along with on-site support from social workers.
LRSD released a statement that can be read below:
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. 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. 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.
The District has deployed counselors and social workers to support students, staff, and families during this difficult time. We are working closely with the Little Rock Police Department as they investigate, and we ask our community to keep the Rockefeller ECC family in their thoughts and prayers.
LRSD will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Rockefeller Coordinator Ann Freeman also issued a statement:
Dear Rockefeller Families,
We want to thank you for your patience, support, and concern as our community continues to process this afternoon’s tragic domestic incident that occurred outside, near Rockefeller Early Childhood Center. Our hearts remain with all who were impacted.
We also want to provide an important update: the suspect is in custody. While this was an isolated event and no students were involved or in harm’s way, we understand how deeply unsettling it has been for our families, staff, and students.
The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center will be open tomorrow, and we will continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for your children. Counselors and social workers will remain on-site to provide support to any students, staff, or families who may need assistance.
We are profoundly grateful to our Rockefeller team for their swift and calm response, as well as to our parents for your cooperation during the lockdown and dismissal process. Together, we will continue to prioritize safety, healing, and the well-being of every member of our school family.
We will keep you updated as information becomes available. Thank you for keeping the Rockefeller community in your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Ann Freeman
The district assured that the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center will remain open, emphasizing its commitment to providing a “safe and supportive environment” for the children.
This is a developing situation, and further details will be provided as they become available.
