Michelle Butler dies in fatal Little Rock shooting

Michelle Butler dies in fatal Little Rock shooting

Fatal Little Rock shooting death of Michelle Butler

Little Rock police have arrested Duane Nooner and identified both the suspect and the victim following the death of a woman shot near the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center parking area on Wednesday afternoon, officials reported.

The 29-year-old Duane Nooner was taken into custody on Wednesday evening and faces charges including capital murder. The identified victim is Michelle Butler, who was 36 years old and a resident of Little Rock.

According to Little Rock Police Department logs, a 911 call reported gunfire around 2:55 p.m. at 700 E 17th Street. However, officers stated the actual shooting occurred at 15th and Bragg Street, which is adjacent to the location mentioned in the 911 call.

A social media update confirmed the scene near the Winthrop Rockefeller Early Childhood Center shortly after 2:54 p.m. Law enforcement indicated a female was discovered unresponsive due to gunshot wounds. They emphasized the incident was not a school event and that all children remained safe.

Mayor Frank Scott Jr. revealed Butler was employed by the Little Rock School District. He expressed profound sadness over the occurrence near a school campus. “This tragedy should never occur, and we must do everything possible to stop such pointless violence in our community,” the mayor stated. He added gratitude for the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center staff who ensure student safety daily.

School district authorities confirmed no students were involved in the incident. They informed parents they could pick up their children once the lockdown was over, with parents entering the building under supervision.

LRSD representatives noted they understand the event deeply affected school personnel who observed it. The District announced deployment of counselors and social workers to assist students, staff, and families. They stated, “We are actively collaborating with the Little Rock Police Department during their investigation and request the community support the Rockefeller ECC family through their thoughts and prayers.”

Emergency procedures were properly implemented by the Little Rock School District, including communication measures and placing the school on lockdown.

Police confirmed Butler was found with gunshot injuries and did not survive her wounds. The investigation points to a domestic incident as the origin of the shooting.