A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever killed two people during an apparent robbery at the Sun-drop Bottling Co. in Concord June 13.The money came from the beverage industry and "concerned citizens," Deputy Concord Police Chief Guy Smith said today. He declined to say where the money came from, but said it was the largest reward he can recall in his 27 years on the force.He said police have made a lot of progress on the case, but are still not where they want to be.Sun-drop employee Donna Barnhardt, 59, and Darrell Noles, 44, who was at the office looking for a job, were shot to death at the plant at Branchview Drive and Old Salisbury-Concord Road. Both were Concord residents.Police said their main suspect was seen leaving the building carrying something. They described him as a black man 25 to 30 years old, about 5 feet 3 inches tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length dreadlocks. He was wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt.Officers also have twice stopped motorists in the area, and passed out about 2,500 fliers asking people who travel that route to offer any information they might have.Smith said he hopes the reward might motivate someone to come forward.Anyone with information should call police at 704-920-5000, and leave their name and number.
