LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock police have made an arrest and identified both the victim and suspect after a woman was shot and killed in a parking lot outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center on Wednesday afternoon, according to officials. 

Little Rock police say 29-year-old Duane Nooner was arrested Wednesday evening and is now facing a capital murder charge. The victim has been identified as 36-year-old Michelle Butler of Little Rock.

A 911 call of shots fired was made on Wednesday around 2:55 p.m. at 700 E 17th St., according to the Little Rock Police Department call logs. Officials said the shooting happened at 15th and Bragg Street, around the corner.

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.

“This should never, ever happen, and we must continue to do everything we can to prevent this type of senseless violence in our city,” Mayor Scott said. “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. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the victim and her loved ones in this time of grief.” 

Little Rock District officials confirmed that the incident was isolated and no students were involved. Parents were contacted to pick up their children after the lockdown was lifted, they said. Parents were escorted into the building, they added.

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.