Michelle Butler Shot Dead in Parking Lot Outside Rockefeller Early Childhood Center

On the afternoon of August 20, 2025, a tragic incident shook the Little Rock, Arkansas, community when Michelle Butler, a 36-year-old pre-K aide at the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, was fatally shot in a parking lot just outside the school.

The senseless act of violence, which also involved the victim being struck multiple times by a vehicle, has left the community reeling, prompting an outpouring of grief, calls for action against domestic violence, and heightened concerns about safety near educational institutions.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Duane Nooner, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with capital murder. Authorities have confirmed that the incident was domestic in nature, as Butler and Nooner were in a relationship.

The Tragic Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath

The incident occurred just before 3 p.m. on August 20, 2025, near the intersection of 15th and Bragg Streets, adjacent to the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, located at 700 E. 17th Street in Little Rock. According to police reports, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 2:54 p.m. reporting that a woman had been struck by a vehicle multiple times. A second call followed, indicating that shots had been fired at the same location.

Upon arrival, Little Rock Police Department officers found Michelle Butler unresponsive in the parking lot, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) to save her life, Butler was pronounced dead at the scene. Court records and police statements provide chilling details of the incident. Surveillance footage revealed that Butler was struck multiple times by a black sedan, later identified as belonging to Duane Nooner.

After running her over, Nooner reportedly exited the vehicle, retrieved a handgun from Butler’s nearby car, and fired multiple shots at her as she lay on the ground. Nooner confessed to detectives that he ran over Butler several times and shot her multiple times, later discarding the weapon as he fled the scene. The brutality of the act, occurring in such close proximity to a preschool, has deeply shaken the community.

The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, which serves children aged 6 weeks to 4 years, was immediately placed on lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff. No students or other staff members were harmed, and the incident was confirmed to be isolated, with no threat to the school itself. School staff acted swiftly, gathering students in the cafeteria to keep them calm during the lockdown. Parents were notified via email and asked to pick up their children as soon as possible. The school district’s emergency protocols were followed, and the lockdown was lifted once the situation was deemed safe.

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Duane Nooner, the suspect, was apprehended less than 30 minutes after the incident at a gas station at 8000 Geyer Springs Road. Police identified his vehicle, a Volkswagen sedan with a spare tire on the left front wheel, through surveillance footage and broadcast its description to officers. When spotted at the gas station, Nooner attempted to flee on foot but complied with police orders to surrender.

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He was wearing the same clothes seen in the surveillance video and was taken into custody without further incident. Nooner waived his Miranda rights and confessed to the crime, admitting to both running over and shooting Butler. He was charged with capital murder and booked into the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, where he remains without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 20, 2025, after entering a not guilty plea on August 21.

Community Response and Support for the Rockefeller ECC Family

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) and the broader community have been profoundly affected by the loss of Michelle Butler, who was described as a dedicated early childhood pre-K aide at the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center. The district issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the “tragic domestic incident” and emphasizing that no students were involved or harmed.

To support the school community, LRSD deployed counselors and social workers to provide on-site assistance to students, staff, and families in the days following the incident. The district underscored its commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment, with the school remaining open on August 21 and beyond.

Rockefeller Coordinator Ann Freeman issued a heartfelt message to families, thanking them for their patience and cooperation during the lockdown and dismissal process. She acknowledged the emotional toll of the incident, noting, “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.”

Freeman praised the school staff for their swift and calm response, which ensured the safety of the children, and expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time. The school, which recently underwent a $12 million renovation and reopened in June 2024, is one of five prekindergarten centers operated by LRSD, offering high-quality programs for young children supported by state-certified teachers.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. also addressed the tragedy, expressing outrage and heartbreak that such a crime occurred near a school. In a press release, he stated, “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.”

He extended his deepest sympathies to Butler’s family and loved ones, emphasizing the need to prevent such senseless violence in the city. The mayor’s statement reflects the community’s collective grief and determination to address the underlying issues that led to this tragedy. The incident has also prompted discussions about the impact of domestic violence on communities.

Authorities confirmed that Butler and Nooner were in a relationship, with records indicating that Pulaski County issued a marriage license to the couple in June 2021. The domestic nature of the incident has highlighted the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence, with community leaders and advocates calling for increased awareness, resources, and preventive measures to address such tragedies.

Broader Implications and Calls for Action

The fatal shooting of Michelle Butler outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center has sparked broader conversations about domestic violence and safety in public spaces, particularly near schools. The proximity of the incident to a preschool, a place meant to be a safe haven for young children, has intensified concerns about how violence can infiltrate even the most protected environments.

While the incident was not a school shooting and posed no direct threat to students, the psychological impact on staff, families, and the community cannot be understated. Witnesses, including a nearby resident who reported hearing gunshots and seeing Butler’s body, described the scene as horrific, underscoring the trauma inflicted on those in the vicinity.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence, which often escalates to deadly outcomes. The fact that the incident occurred in a public parking lot, in broad daylight, highlights the boldness and unpredictability of such acts. Community advocates are calling for enhanced support systems, including accessible counseling, legal protections, and education to recognize and address signs of domestic abuse before they escalate.

The Little Rock School District’s response, providing immediate counseling and social work support, sets an example of how institutions can prioritize mental health and healing in the aftermath of such events. Furthermore, the incident raises questions about safety protocols around schools and public spaces. The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center’s swift lockdown and communication with parents demonstrate the importance of preparedness, but the tragedy underscores the need for broader preventive measures.

Community leaders are urging increased investment in violence prevention programs, stronger collaboration between schools and law enforcement, and initiatives to address the root causes of domestic violence, such as economic stress, mental health challenges, and lack of access to resources.

The loss of Michelle Butler has left an indelible mark on the Little Rock community. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on honoring Butler’s memory and supporting those affected by her death. The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, its staff, and its families are navigating a path toward healing, supported by a community determined to prevent such tragedies in the future. This incident is a somber call to action, reminding us that safety is a collective responsibility and that addressing domestic violence requires vigilance, compassion, and systemic change.