Newton, N.C. – Richard Jerome Barber has been charged with Concealing/Failing to Report a Death
stemming from the death investigation on Springdale Dr. Sheriff’s investigators initiated an investigation
into the death of Crystal Lynn Carroll Willard on 02/02/2025 after Willard was discovered deceased
inside that residence. Willard’s (42) next of kin have been notified.
Barber (35) received a $60,000 secured bond and has a first appearance on 02/06/2025 in Catawba
County District Court.
The cause of Willard’s death is unknown at this time. Autopsy results are pending.
