Key takeaways:
- Johnny Steven Talbert was arrested in Port Angeles, Washington, nearly 18 years after the 2008 double murder in Concord, North Carolina.
- Talbert faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery related to the killings of Donna Barnhardt and Darrell Noles.
- The case was solved after a meticulous reexamination of evidence and new leads, leading to Talbert's arrest and pending extradition to North Carolina.
Johnny Steven Talbert, 43, was arrested Thursday in Port Angeles, Washington, nearly 18 years after the double murder of Donna Barnhardt and Darrell Noles at the Sun Drop Bottling Company in Concord, North Carolina. Talbert faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery related to the June 13, 2008, killings. He is currently held without bond in Washington, awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
Barnhardt, 59, was the office manager at the beverage distribution facility, while Noles, 44, was there applying for a job. Police said the suspect fatally shot both victims, stole money from the front office, and fled the scene. The case, known as the “Sun Drop Murders,” remained unsolved for years despite numerous tips and a composite sketch released shortly after the incident.
Detectives continued to reexamine evidence as forensic technology advanced. Last year, a breakthrough came after a meticulous review and pursuit of previously undeveloped leads. Concord police shared their findings with the Port Angeles Police Department in December, leading to an investigation in Washington in May and Talbert’s arrest three days later.
Concord police described the arrest as “a major cold case breakthrough” and thanked the Port Angeles Police Department and the community for their assistance. They also confirmed the investigation remains active and declined to release further details to protect the case’s integrity.
In a statement to CBS affiliate WBTV, Barnhardt’s family expressed gratitude for the police department’s dedication and perseverance over nearly two decades. “Their persistence, integrity, and tireless efforts ensured this case was never forgotten,” the statement said. “The resolution of this investigation has brought long-awaited answers and a measure of peace to our family. While time cannot erase loss or hardship, we are deeply grateful for the compassion, diligence, and determination shown throughout this process.”
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