Hickory Businessman Charged in Fatal Shooting at Furniture Manufacturing Facility

NEWTON — An 85-year-old Hickory businessman has been charged with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting at a furniture manufacturing facility in Catawba County.

Authorities say Willard Gary Black was taken into custody Wednesday after a shooting at Old Hickory Tannery in Newton that left 59-year-old Robert Roger Arguelles dead. Investigators reported that Arguelles suffered gunshot wounds during an altercation at the business and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to court records, the incident occurred just hours after a judge ordered Black to pay Arguelles more than $310,000 in connection with a long-running business dispute involving the company. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from a lawsuit related to ownership interests and financial obligations tied to the business.

Law enforcement officials responded to the facility following reports of a shooting and subsequently arrested Black. He has been charged with second-degree murder and remains at the center of an ongoing investigation.

Arguelles was well known throughout Alexander County, where he served as chairman of the Alexander County Board of Education. Community leaders, educators, and residents have expressed shock and sadness following his death, remembering him as a dedicated advocate for local students and public education.

The shooting has drawn significant attention across the region due to the prominence of both men in business and community circles. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

The investigation remains ongoing.