CONCORD, N.C. – The Concord Police Department has announced a major cold case breakthrough in a nearly 18-year-old homicide case. Detectives have identified and arrested a suspect in the case, commonly referred to as the “Sun Drop Murders.”
The suspect is 43-year-old Johnny Steven Talbert Port Angeles, Washington. He’s accused of shooting and killing 59-year-old Donna Barnhardt and 44-year-old Darrell Noles inside the Sun Drop Bottling Company on Old Salisbury-Concord Road on June 13, 2008. Barnhardt was the long-time office manager for the Sun Drop Bottling Company and Noles was there to apply for a job.
Detectives believe Talbert shot and killed the victims and stole money from the front office before fleeing the scene.
The case remained unsolved until a break came in late 2025, when detectives uncovered critical information that ultimately led to Talbert’s arrest.
Talbert was arrested in Port Angeles, Washington on May 21, 2026 and is currently awaiting extradition to Concord where he will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a firearm. He is currently being held without bail in the Clallam County Jail in Washington State.
The families of Donna Barnhardt and Darrell Noles have been informed of Talbert’s arrest and the pending charges.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information should call 704-920-5000 or 704-93-CRIME to remain anonymous.
