Full Breakdown
Suspect Arrested in 2008 Sun Drop Bottling Company Double Homicide After Two Decades
5/26/2026, 11:09:46 PM
The Sun Drop Murders
On June 13, 2008, two employees were shot inside the Sun Drop Bottling Company at 360 Old-Salisbury Road in Concord, North Carolina. Victims were 59-year-old office manager Donna Barnhardt and 44-year-old job applicant Darrell Noles. Police said the gunman also stole cash before fleeing.
Breakthrough and Arrest
Detectives reexamined the case in late 2025, pursuing leads that identified Johnny Steven Talbert, a 43-year-old Port Angeles, Washington resident. Concord police requested assistance from the Port Angeles Police Department on Dec 19, 2025. A joint team traveled to Washington on May 18, 2026, secured an arrest warrant, and located Talbert on May 21, 2026. He was taken into custody without incident and is held without bail pending extradition to North Carolina.
Chronology & Key Data
- June 13, 2008 – Double homicide; victims identified.
- Sept 2008 – Composite sketch released.
- Dec 19, 2025 – Concord PD contacts Port Angeles PD.
- May 18-21, 2026 – Detectives travel, obtain warrant, arrest Talbert.
Key figures: cold-case span 18 years; “hundreds” of community tips; cash stolen $9,905.42; reward later raised to $85,000; suspect traveled 2,900 miles; Talbert age 43; victims ages 59 and 44.
Official Statements
Concord police thanked the Port Angeles Police Department and the community, confirmed that the families of Barnhardt and Noles have been notified, and emphasized that the investigation remains active. Port Angeles officials noted Talbert’s prior contact with local police shortly after the 2008 crimes and his subsequent departure from the state.
On-the-Ground Witnesses
Witnesses, including Noles’s wife waiting in a car, described a Black male, 5 ft 7 in to 6 ft tall, 170–180 lb, wearing a white shirt and blue jeans, fleeing toward Cabarrus Avenue. The original composite sketch matched this description.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets reported the arrest occurred on a Thursday, while the date given is May 21, 2026 (a Friday). Only one source provides the exact stolen amount ($9,905.42) and reward amount ($85,000); other reports omit these figures. No criticism of the investigation appears in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Through a meticulous reexamination of evidence and the pursuit of previously undeveloped leads, detectives uncovered critical information that ultimately led to Talbert’s arrest,” — Concord Police Department
- “Concord PD would like to thank the Port Angeles Police Department and the community for their assistance throughout the decades-long investigation,” — Concord Police Department
- “It should be noted that, to end up in Port Angeles, Talbert has traveled at least 2,900 miles away from the jurisdiction in which the accused crimes occurred,” — Joshua Powless, Port Angeles Police Department
- “Anyone with additional information is asked to call 704-920-5000 or 704-93-CRIME to remain anonymous.” — Concord Police Department
Why It Matters
The arrest illustrates the value of revisiting cold-case evidence and the effectiveness of inter-jurisdictional cooperation. It also offers closure for the victims’ families and underscores the role of public tips and rewards in solving violent crimes.
