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'I shot that guy': Hickory man gets $2.5M bond; charged with murder of business partner, who was on area school board

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'I shot that guy': Hickory man gets $2.5M bond; charged with murder of business partner, who was on area school board

Sarah C. Johnson
Jun 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026 Updated 1 hr ago
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The owner of Old Hickory Tannery, who is accused of shooting and killing a man who was his business partner and an Alexander County school board member, received a $2.5 million secured bond in Catawba County District Court.

061826-hdr-news-firstappearance-p1 — Willard Gary Black sits in a wheelchair during his first appearance in Catawba County District on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Robert Arguelles.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

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061826-hdr-news-firstappearance-p3 — Catawba County Chief Assistant District Attorney Timothy Gould walks into Catawba County District Court on Thursday for the first appearance of Willard Black.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

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061826-hdr-news-firstappearance-p6 — Willard Black looks back at his family during Catawba County District Court on Thursday. Black is charged with second-degree murder.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

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061826-hdr-news-firstappearance-p2 — Willard Black, in the wheelchair, signs paperwork during court on Thursday. Defense attorney Ed Hedrick and Catawba County bailiffs watch.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

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061826-hdr-news-firstappearance-p5 — Defense attorney Ed Hedrick, left, and Willard Black, in the striped jumpsuit, appear in Catawba County District Court on Thursday. Black is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Robert Roger Aguelles.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

061826-hdr-news-firstappearance-p4 — Defense attorney Ed Hedrick, left, speaks to Catawba County District Attorney Scott Reilly on Thursday. Hedrick is representing Willard Black on a second-degree murder charge.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Sarah Johnson is the courts and breaking news reporter for the Hickory Daily Record.

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