In Little Rock, Arkansas, police have arrested a suspect and revealed the identities of both the suspect and the victim following the fatal shooting of a woman in a parking lot near the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center on Wednesday afternoon.
The authorities arrested 29-year-old Duane Nooner on Wednesday evening, charging him with capital murder. The victim was identified as Michelle Butler, 36, from Little Rock.
The Little Rock Police Department’s call logs recorded a report of gunfire on Wednesday around 2:55 p.m. at 700 E 17th St. Officials stated that the incident took place at 15th and Bragg Street, nearby.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. confirmed that Butler was an employee of the Little Rock School District. The alleged shooter is in custody, the mayor said.
“Such events should never occur, and we must work tirelessly to stop this kind of senseless violence in our city,” stated Mayor Scott. “We are deeply angered and saddened by this crime happening so close to our young ones. Meanwhile, we appreciate the care and protection provided by the Rockefeller staff, ensuring the students’ safety today and every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this grieving period.”
Little Rock District officials assured that it was an isolated incident without any involvement of students. Parents were notified to collect their children once the lockdown ended and were accompanied into the building.
No students were involved, LRSD officials said, adding “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 has deployed counselors and social workers to support students, staff, and families during this difficult time,” LRSD said in a statement. 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 emergency protocols were followed, including communication while placing the school on lockdown, officials said.
Authorities said that Butler was found shot and unresponsive. Police say she died on the scene.
LRPD said that information shows the shooting was domestic in origin.
