Crime
LRSD employee Michelle Butler killed after shooting outside Rockefeller Early Childhood Center in Little Rock
Police arrested 29-year-old Duane Nooner later that evening.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Authorities have identified the victim and suspect in a deadly shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center in Little Rock.
According to the Little Rock Police Department, 36-year-old Michelle Butler, an employee of the Little Rock School District, was shot and killed in a parking lot near the school.
Police arrested 29-year-old Duane Nooner later that evening.
He is now facing a charge of capital murder in connection with Butler’s death.
The arrest was made by Officer Hayes Jalise, also known as Jal Ise, and police have confirmed that Nooner was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities said the shooting appears to have stemmed from a domestic situation and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
In a statement, the Little Rock School District (LRSD) expressed heartbreak over the loss of one of its employees and emphasized the steps taken to ensure the safety of students during the incident.
“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,” the district said.
The district confirmed that no students were directly involved or harmed. Staff members quickly implemented emergency safety measures by activating Centegix CrisisAlert badges, which placed the school on lockdown and ensured students were protected.
Parents were promptly contacted and safely escorted into the building to pick up their children.
District officials acknowledged the emotional toll on staff members who witnessed the event and confirmed that counselors and social workers have been deployed to support students, staff, and families.
“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 statement continued. “We ask our community to keep the Rockefeller ECC family in their thoughts and prayers. LRSD will provide additional information as it becomes available.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.