Devoted Grandparents Shot, Killer Vanishes

 View Larger

Police released this sketch of a man wanted for questioning in relation to the Sundrop shooting.

For Donna Klinesmith Barnhardt, 59, June 13, 2008 started as every day had for 18 years. Cops say Donna had just celebrated her 18th anniversary with the Sundrop Bottling Company, and didn’t have a set schedule, but came in around 9 a.m. that day.

Cops say Darrell Wayne Noles, 44, arrived at Sundrop that morning when he came in to apply for a job.

Sometime before 10 a.m., cops say a man walked into the front office at Sundrop and shot Donna and Darrell in what appeared to be a robbery.

At 10 a.m., police received a 911 call from Bruce Helms. While Bruce was backing into his parking spot that morning, he noticed a man in his rear view mirror. The man walked across the parking lot, away from Sundrop, and he was carrying something.

Both Victims Loved Their Families

 View Larger

Darrell Noles was shot to death while applying for a job at the Sundrop Bottling Company.

Tressy Noles saw him too. While she was waiting for her husband, Darrell, she saw a man walk out the front door of Sundrop, past her car, and out of the parking lot.

When Bruce walked into the front office, he saw Donna and Darrell, then ran to Donald Whitfield’s office at the end of the hall.

He dialed 9-1-1. Donald was in his office when the shooting took place, but attributed the shots he heard to activity in the warehouse.

Cops say both Donna and Darrell were grandparents, each devoted to their families.

Community Reacts To Violent Crime

 View Larger

Donna Barnhardt was shot to death in a robbery at the Sundrop Bottling company, where she had worked for 18 years.

The Concord, N.C. community has responded to the loss by posting a $75,000 reward for information about the person responsible.

The suspect was last seen the morning of June 13 when passers-by spotted a man carrying something that resembled a box crossing the street near Sundrop. Others spotted him walking up Cabarrus Ave. before vanishing.

Cops say there have been no reports of the man since. Police have released a sketch of a person of interest in the case, who is wanted for questioning. The man is described as a black male about 5’5” to 5’7” with shoulder-length dreadlocks.

If you have seen this man, or know anything about the Sundrop shooting, call our hotline at 1-800-CRIME-TV.