Man Charged With Murder Of Alexander County School Board Member Makes Court Appearance

Some questions are beginning be answered following a court appearance by a Hickory man charged with the fatal shooting of a well-known Alexander County School Board Member.

Willard Gary Black, 85, is charged with 2nd-degree murder in the Wednesday shooting of 59-year-old Rob Arguelles of Taylorsville. A judge set the bond for Black at $2.5 million. Black was the founder of Old Hickory Tannery in Newton. Arguelles was a partner in the business.

Catawba County Chief Assistant District Attorney Timothy Gould said the shooting stemmed from a business dispute. Arguelles loaned Black money that was never paid back. In a civil lawsuit, Black was ordered to turn the Old Hickory Tannery over to Arguelles. The lawsuit said Black owed Arguelles more than $300,000. Gould said Arguelles went to the company on Wednesday afternoon, spoke with some employees and met with Black in an office. Black pulled out a .38 revolver and shot Arguelles in the chest. Arguelles then tried to run down a hallway. As Arguelles ran down the hall, four more shots were fired. Arguelles was hit in the back as well. Arguelles was pronounced dead at the scene.

Newton Police say they asked Black if he was shot and Black responded, “No, I shot that guy.”

Black was represented in court by defense attorney Ed Hedrick of Taylorsville.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Catawba County District Court on July 9. Gould said the district attorney’s office intends to indict Black on unspecified murder.