In the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, a quiet Wednesday afternoon was shattered by a devastating act of violence just outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center. On August 20, 2025, at approximately 2:54 p.m., the sound of gunfire echoed near the intersection of 15th and Bragg streets, close to the bustling I-30 and I-630 interchange. What unfolded was a tragedy that would leave a community grieving and a school district reeling.
Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) officers raced to the scene following urgent 911 calls reporting shots fired. Upon arrival, they found a woman—an employee of the Little Rock School District—unresponsive, her life hanging in the balance due to a gunshot wound. Despite the desperate efforts of paramedics, she could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene, her life cut short in a moment of unthinkable violence.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr., visibly shaken, addressed the city with a heavy heart. “Shortly before 3 p.m., an employee of the Little Rock School District was killed in a parking lot outside Rockefeller Early Childhood Center,” he said. “This should never, ever happen. We are outraged, angry, and heartbroken that this crime occurred in such proximity to our precious children.” His words captured the collective sorrow and disbelief that rippled through the community, a stark reminder of the fragility of safety even in places meant to nurture and protect.
The incident, described by authorities as a domestic dispute, was not a random act. Police confirmed that the suspect, now in custody, had a connection to the victim, though their identities remain undisclosed as the investigation continues. Officer Hayes Jalise, known to some as Jal Ise, was the one who apprehended the suspect, ensuring no further threat to the public. The swift action of law enforcement brought a measure of relief, but it could not erase the pain of the loss.
The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, a haven for children as young as six weeks to pre-K4, was immediately placed on lockdown. Staff sprang into action, gathering students in the cafeteria and using Centegix CrisisAlert badges to communicate, ensuring every child was safe. No students witnessed the incident or were harmed, a small mercy in the midst of chaos. Parents, notified promptly, arrived to retrieve their children, escorted into the building under the watchful eyes of school staff and police. The school’s parking lot, cordoned off with police tape, became a somber crime scene as investigators worked to piece together the events.
The Little Rock School District, in a poignant statement, mourned the loss of one of their own. “This was a tragic, isolated domestic incident,” the district shared, emphasizing the profound impact on staff who witnessed the event. “We are heartbroken. Although no students were involved, we are aware that this event has had a profound impact on our entire school community.” Counselors and social workers were deployed to provide support, a lifeline for students, staff, and families grappling with grief and shock.
Mayor Scott’s words echoed the community’s resolve to confront such violence. “We must continue to do everything we can to prevent this type of senseless violence in our City,” he urged, while expressing gratitude for the Rockefeller staff’s unwavering dedication to their students’ safety. “Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the victim and her loved ones in this time of deep grief.”
As Little Rock processes this tragedy, the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center stands as a symbol of resilience, its staff and community united in the face of loss. The investigation continues, with police promising more details as they emerge. For now, the city holds its breath, mourning a life lost too soon and vowing to protect the sanctity of its schools and the children they serve.