An ongoing business dispute ended in bloodshed Wednesday afternoon when a longtime furniture executive allegedly opened fire on his business partner just hours after a judge ordered compliance in a contentious legal battle.
Authorities say Willard Gary Black, 85, the founder and president of Old Hickory Tannery, has been charged with second-degree murder following the fatal shooting of Robert Roger “Rob” Arguelles, 59, a co-owner of the company, Alexander County Board of Education member, husband, father, and respected community leader.
The shooting occurred Wednesday, June 17, 2026, inside the offices of Old Hickory Tannery in Newton, North Carolina.
A Boardroom Battle Ends in Gunfire
According to the Newton Police Department, officers responded to a reported shooting at Old Hickory Tannery, located off Locust Street in Newton, shortly after 3:18 p.m.
Investigators say a confrontation occurred inside an office area between Black and Arguelles.
During that altercation, police allege Black shot Arguelles.
Authorities said Arguelles suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and back. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the 59-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police detained Black without incident and recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
Black was charged with second-degree murder and was scheduled to make his first appearance in Catawba County District Court on Thursday, June 18.
Who Was Rob Arguelles?
Arguelles served on the Alexander County Board of Education representing District 2 since 2022 and was known as a passionate supporter of public education.
Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin described Arguelles as an “amazing father, husband, and board member” who faithfully supported the school system for nearly four years.
School Board Chairman Josh Dagenhart also paid tribute, calling Arguelles “a brilliant soul, a great man, and a dear friend.”
The Man Accused: A Furniture Industry Veteran
Black has long been associated with Old Hickory Tannery, one of North Carolina’s premier luxury furniture manufacturers.
For decades, the company built a reputation for producing handcrafted leather furniture, custom upholstery, rustic-inspired luxury pieces, and high-end furnishings sought after by homeowners, designers, and retailers nationwide.
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s famed furniture manufacturing corridor, Old Hickory Tannery became known for heirloom-quality craftsmanship and premium leather products.
Black was widely regarded as one of the key figures behind the company’s growth and success.
Court Records Reveal Months of Tension
Public records from Catawba County reveal a bitter legal battle involving company finances, ownership interests, and the future of Old Hickory Tannery itself.
According to court documents, in March 2026, Arguelles and RRA Solutions were awarded approximately $310,882 in a dispute involving money allegedly owed.
The court determined that judicial dissolution of Old Hickory Tannery was appropriate unless ownership issues could be resolved.
Judicial dissolution is a legal process that can force a business to shut down when owners become deadlocked or serious internal conflicts threaten the company’s viability.
On May 11, 2026, the parties reportedly reached a settlement agreement. Under the proposed agreement, the company would purchase Black’s ownership stock for a nominal amount of $1, along with additional negotiated terms.
Court records indicate Black later withdrew his consent to that agreement through legal counsel.
Then came June 17. That very morning of the fatal shooting, a judge reportedly entered an order directing Black and Old Hickory Tannery to comply with the settlement agreement.
Just hours later, police say Arguelles was dead.
Investigators have not publicly stated whether the court ruling played any direct role in the events that unfolded Wednesday afternoon.
The Newton Police Department says the investigation remains active.
