Newton Furniture Business Co-Owner Charged With Murder

A co-owner of a Newton furniture business has been charged with second-degree murder following a deadly shooting on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Newton Police Department and court records obtained by WCAB News.

Officers responded to Old Hickory Tannery at 970 Locust Street at approximately 3:18 p.m. on June 17 after receiving reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found Robert Roger Arguelles, 59, of Taylorsville, suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest and back inside an office area. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Arguelles was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said a preliminary review indicates Arguelles and Willard Gary Black, 85, of Hickory, were involved in an altercation before Black allegedly shot Arguelles. Black was detained at the scene, and the firearm was recovered.

Court records show Black was formally charged with second-degree murder. The filing lists the offense date as June 17, 2026, and identifies Arguelles as the victim.

Records further show Black was arrested the same day by Newton Police Department Investigator C. Davis. A magistrate found probable cause to issue a warrantless arrest order, and the case was assigned file number 26CR335223-170 in Catawba County District Court.

The documents also show a court appearance scheduled for June 18 at the Catawba County Justice Center. Bond was listed as not authorized at the time of filing.

Authorities said Black and Arguelles were co-owners of Old Hickory Tannery. Arguelles also served on the Alexander County Board of Education, where he had represented the community for nearly four years.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator C. Davis with the Newton PD at 828-465-7430 or cdavis@newtonnc.gov.

As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.