Willard Gary Black, 85, has been charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of his business partner, Robert Roger Arguelles, 59, at their company, Old Hickory Tannery, in North Carolina. The incident occurred on Wednesday, shortly after a court ordered Black to pay Arguelles $310,882.74 due to a contract dispute. Earlier that day, a judge denied Black's request to withdraw his consent from a settlement agreement. Following the ruling, an argument ensued between the two men at the business, which led to the fatal shooting. Arguelles was struck in the chest and back and died at the scene. He had been a board member for Alexander County Schools since 2022. District Superintendent Bill Griffin praised Arguelles as a dedicated father and board member, expressing support for his family during this time.
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North Carolina Furniture Manufacturer Charged with Murder Following Contract Dispute
Willard Gary Black, an 85-year-old furniture manufacturer, has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting his business partner, Robert Roger Arguelles, following a court ruling in a contract dispute. The shooting occurred at their business, Old Hickory Tannery, shortly after a judge ordered Black to pay Arguelles over $310,000.
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North Carolina furniture manufacturer allegedly kills business partner hours after losing contract dispute
North Carolina Furniture Manufacturer Charged with Murder Following Contract Dispute