Willard Gary Black, 85, co-owner of Old Hickory Tannery in North Carolina, has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing his business partner Robert Roger Arguelles, 59, on Wednesday — hours after a judge ordered Black to pay Arguelles $310,882.74 in a contract dispute. Arguelles was shot in the chest and back during an argument at the tannery. Police officers responding to the scene were unable to save him.
A Business Partnership, a $280,000 Loan, and a Court Battle
The underlying dispute traces to 2018, when Black sold Arguelles a 49.9% stake in the Old Hickory Tannery business. Following that transaction, Arguelles claimed he had loaned Black $280,000, of which only $23,876.19 was ever repaid. The unrecovered balance formed the basis of the lawsuit between the two men.
The parties eventually reached an agreement to settle the case for $310,882.74 and filed the settlement paperwork with the court. Black subsequently moved to withdraw his consent to the deal. A judge denied that motion on Wednesday and ordered Black to pay the agreed $310,882.74 to Arguelles.
From the Courtroom to the Crime Scene
Within hours of the court's ruling, both men were together at Old Hickory Tannery, where they remained co-owners. An argument broke out. Authorities say Black shot Arguelles, striking him in the chest and back. Officers arrived and attempted to render aid, but Arguelles died at the scene, according to Queen City News.
Black has been charged with second-degree murder, Court TV reported. At 85, he is accused of carrying out the fatal shooting the same day a court rejected his attempt to reverse the financial judgment against him.
Arguelles Remembered Beyond the Business Dispute
Arguelles held a public role beyond his business interests. He had served as a member of the Alexander County Schools board of education since 2022 — a position he held for nearly four years at the time of his death.
District Superintendent Bill Griffin described Arguelles as an "amazing father, husband, and board member who has faithfully supported our school system for almost four years." Griffin added that the district "fully supports and respects the family's privacy as they navigate this profound loss." Arguelles was 59 years old.