NEWTON, N.C. — An 85-year-old is accused of killing his business partner on Wednesday afternoon at a Newton furniture company after he was ordered to pay the victim hundreds of thousands of dollars in a court settlement.
The Newton Police Department says Willard Black shot 59‑year‑old Robert Arguelles twice during an altercation at the Old Hickory Tannery on Locust Street.
Officers arrived around 3:18 p.m. and found Arguelles of Taylorsville with four gunshot wounds to the chest and back. Despite life‑saving efforts, he died at the scene.
At the time of the homicide, there were more than a dozen employees inside the office.
Black was detained at the scene, and police recovered the weapon. He is charged with second‑degree murder. He appeared in court for the first time on Thursday morning.
Prosecutors say when police got to the furniture plant, the owner said, “I shot that guy.”
Police recovered the weapon used in the crime: a .38-caliber revolver, prosecutors say.
In court, family members and friends of both men showed up as Black appeared before a judge in a wheelchair.
“We are still in shock,” said Katherine Lebo, the victim’s friend. “He was an amazing person. A kind-hearted man. A loving husband and a father. He was amazing.”
Black would be under house arrest if he were able to post a $2.5 million bond.
Channel 9’s Dave Faherty found court documents that say Black was ordered to pay the victim more than $300,000 just four hours before he allegedly shot Arguelles.
Earlier this year, a judge ruled the judicial dissolution of the Old Hickory Tannery, but allowed Arguelles the right to make an “acceptable offer” to Black. Court documents say the two sides agreed to Black selling his stock at a dollar, but then the 85-year-old backed out of the deal.
Wednesday’s court order required Black to follow through on all terms of the settlement. About four hours later, the shooting happened.
Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin revealed Wednesday night that Arguelles was a school board member.
“Rob was a selfless man,” School Board Chairman Josh Dagenhart told Channel 9. “He shared his wisdom through his servant’s heart. Alexander County schools would not be here today without Robert Arguelles.”
In a statement, Griffin said, “[Rob Arguelles] was an amazing father, husband, and board member who has faithfully supported our school system for almost four years. In honor of his memory, our district fully supports and respects the family’s privacy as they navigate this profound loss.”
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newton Police Department at 828‑465‑7430.
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