A tragic incident unfolded this week in North Carolina, where a furniture company owner is accused of fatally shooting his business partner following an unfavorable court decision related to a contract disagreement.
Willard Gary Black, 85, is facing charges of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Robert Roger Arguelles. The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, left Arguelles with fatal injuries to his chest and back, according to a report by Queen City News.
The violent incident took place at the Old Hickory Tannery, the business the two men co-owned.
Earlier that same day, a court had mandated Black to pay Arguelles $310,882.74, resolving a contract dispute between the pair, as noted by Court TV.
Willard Gary Black, aged 85, is currently charged with second-degree murder following the fatal encounter with Robert Roger Arguelles. (Catawba County Detention Facility; Alexander County Schools)
In 2018, Black sold Arguelles 49.9% of the stock in his business. However, Arguelles said he had loaned Black $280,000, of which only $23,876.19 was ever repaid, the news outlet reported.
Both men reached an agreement to settle the lawsuit for $310,882.74, but after filing the paperwork with the court, Black sought to withdraw his consent.
On Wednesday, a judge denied his request and ordered Black to pay Arguelles, 59, the amount of the original agreement.
A judge’s gavel rests on a wooden block with scales of justice and law books in a courtroom setting. (Brian A. Jackson/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Hours later, both men got into an argument at the business, which led to the shooting, authorities said. Police officers arrived and attempted to save Arguelles, who died at the scene.
Arguelles had served as an Alexander County Schools board member since 2022.
In a statement, 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.”
“In honor of his memory, our district fully supports and respects the family’s privacy as they navigate this profound loss,” he added.
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