An 85-year-old furniture manufacturer in North Carolina stands accused of shooting his business partner to death just hours after a judge ordered him to pay over $310,000 in a contract dispute settlement. Willard Gary Black faces second-degree murder charges following the Wednesday shooting of Robert Roger Arguelles, 59, who sustained fatal gunshot wounds to his chest and back. The incident occurred at Old Hickory Tannery, a furniture business the two men co-owned together. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but Arguelles was pronounced dead shortly after officers arrived.
Court ruling preceded deadly confrontation at furniture company
Earlier on the same day of the shooting, a judge issued a ruling compelling Black to pay Arguelles $310,882.74 to settle their ongoing business dispute. The financial conflict stemmed from a 2018 transaction in which Black sold Arguelles a 49.9% stake in the furniture manufacturing company. According to legal documents, Arguelles had provided Black with a $280,000 loan, but received repayment of only $23,876.19, leaving a substantial balance outstanding.
The two business partners initially reached a mutual agreement to resolve the lawsuit for the $310,882.74 amount. However, after submitting the settlement paperwork to the court, Black attempted to retract his consent to the agreement. On Wednesday morning, the presiding judge denied his withdrawal request and enforced the original settlement terms, ordering Black to make the full payment to Arguelles.
Fatal shooting followed heated business argument
Within hours of the court’s decision, both men became involved in a heated argument at their shared business location. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the dispute escalated into violence, resulting in Black allegedly firing multiple shots at Arguelles. Police officers responded to the scene and immediately began administering emergency care to the wounded business partner. Despite their efforts, Arguelles succumbed to his injuries at the Old Hickory Tannery facility.
- Black sold Arguelles 49.9% company ownership in 2018
- Arguelles loaned $280,000 with minimal repayment
- Court ordered $310,882.74 settlement payment
- Shooting occurred same day as court ruling
- Victim died at business location despite emergency response
Victim served as local school board member since 2022
Arguelles had been an active member of the Alexander County Schools board since 2022, contributing to educational decisions affecting the local community. District Superintendent Bill Griffin issued a statement honoring the fallen board member, describing him as “an amazing father, husband, and board member who has faithfully supported our school system for almost four years.” The superintendent emphasized the district’s respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult period.
The school system expressed deep sorrow over losing a dedicated public servant who had consistently demonstrated commitment to improving educational opportunities for students in Alexander County. Griffin’s statement reflected the impact Arguelles had made within the educational community through his board service and advocacy for local schools.
Murder charge filed against elderly manufacturer
Authorities arrested Black and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting. The 85-year-old remains in custody as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter. Law enforcement officials are reviewing evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses who may have observed the confrontation between the two business partners.
The case highlights the dangerous potential of unresolved business disputes escalating into violence. Legal experts note that contract disagreements, even those involving substantial sums of money, should be resolved through proper legal channels rather than personal confrontation. The tragedy leaves behind grieving family members and a community shocked by the loss of a respected educator and businessman.
