[BREAKING] North Carolina furniture manufacturer allegedly kills business partner hours after losing contract dispute

A North Carolina furniture maker allegedly shot and killed his business partner this week after a court ruled against him in a contract dispute.

Willard Gary Black, 85, has been charged with second-degree murder in the Wednesday shooting death of Robert Roger Arguelles, who was struck in the chest and back, Queen City News reported.

The shooting occurred at Old Hickory Tannery, where Arguelles and Black co-owned the business.

Court records show that that same day, Black was ordered to pay Arguelles $310,882.74 after a contract dispute between the two men, Court TV reported.

In 2018, Black sold 49.9% of the shares in his business to Argüelles.

However, Argüelles said he had loaned Black $280,000, of which only $23,876.19 was returned, the news outlet reported.

Both men reached an agreement to settle the lawsuit for $310,882.74, but after filing paperwork with the court, Black attempted to withdraw his consent.

On Wednesday, a judge denied his request and ordered Black to pay Arguelles, 59, the original settlement amount.

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 “incredible father, husband and board member who has faithfully supported our school system for nearly 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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