In the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, a quiet afternoon was shattered by a devastating act of violence outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The vibrant life of 36-year-old Michelle Butler, a dedicated pre-K aide at the center, was tragically cut short in a shooting that has left the community reeling. As the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the parking lot at 15th and Bragg Streets, a senseless act unfolded, forever altering the lives of those connected to this cherished early childhood haven.

Michelle Butler, known for her nurturing spirit and commitment to the young children she served, was found unresponsive in the school’s parking lot just before 3 p.m., suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Despite the desperate efforts of Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a legacy of care and kindness. The Little Rock Police Department swiftly responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired, arriving to a scene that would soon grip the city in sorrow.

Authorities identified 29-year-old Duane Nooner as the suspect, arresting him later that evening without incident. Officer Hayes Jalise, also known as Jal Ise, led the apprehension, ensuring Nooner was taken into custody and charged with capital murder. Police investigations revealed a heartbreaking detail: Butler and Nooner were in a romantic relationship, pointing to a domestic dispute as the catalyst for this horrific act. The Little Rock Police Department emphasized that the incident was isolated, posing no further threat to the public, but the weight of the tragedy lingers.

The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, a beacon of learning for children aged six weeks to four years, was thrust into lockdown as the gunfire echoed nearby. Staff members, trained for such emergencies, acted with remarkable composure, activating their Centegix CrisisAlert badges to secure the campus. Inside, they gathered the children in the cafeteria, shielding them from the chaos and keeping them calm amidst the fear. No students were harmed or directly involved, a small mercy in the face of such loss. Parents, alerted by urgent emails from the Little Rock School District (LRSD), rushed to the school, where they were safely escorted to reunite with their children.

The LRSD, heartbroken by the loss of one of their own, issued a poignant statement: “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 swift response included deploying counselors and social workers to provide on-site support, ensuring students, staff, and families have resources to navigate the emotional aftermath.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. expressed the city’s collective outrage and grief, stating, “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.” He praised the Rockefeller staff for their nurturing response, ensuring the safety of the children in their care, and extended his deepest sympathies to Butler’s loved ones.

A witness, Tommy Anderson, visiting from Austin, recounted the chilling moment he heard about six gunshots ring out from a nearby porch. Walking to the corner of 17th and Bragg Streets, he saw Butler lying lifeless on the ground and a car speeding away, a haunting image that underscores the brutality of the moment. The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, recently renovated for $12 million and reopened in June 2024, stands as a symbol of hope and growth for its young learners. Yet, on this day, it became a place of mourning.

As the investigation continues, the LRSD has vowed to keep the community informed, with the school remaining open on Thursday, August 21, 2025, bolstered by additional counseling services. Rockefeller Coordinator Ann Freeman expressed gratitude for the staff’s calm response and the community’s support, emphasizing a commitment to healing: “Together, we will continue to prioritize safety, healing, and the well-being of every member of our school family.”

Michelle Butler’s death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the ripple effects of violence. The Little Rock community now gathers to honor her memory, support her grieving loved ones, and hold fast to the values of care and resilience that she embodied. As the city mourns, it also stands united, determined to ensure such a tragedy does not define its future.