Richard Farley
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Sunnyvale, California
TIME PERIOD
February 16, 1988
VICTIMS
7 confirmed
On February 16, 1988, a mass shooting occurred at the headquarters of ESL Incorporated in Sunnyvale, California, when 39-year-old Richard Farley opened fire, killing seven individuals and injuring four others. Farley, a former employee, had been stalking his co-worker Laura Black for four years, which motivated his attack. He used multiple firearms, including a Benelli Riot semi-automatic shotgun and a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, during the incident. Farley was apprehended at the scene and subsequently convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder; he is currently serving a death sentence at California Health Care Facility. The case remains significant in discussions surrounding workplace violence and stalking.
Richard Farley’s actions are often attributed to his obsessive stalking of Laura Black, leading to speculation that his mental health issues played a significant role in the shooting. Some believe that the workplace environment at ESL Incorporated may have contributed to the incident, as Farley felt rejected and isolated. Additionally, there is discussion about the effectiveness of workplace policies on harassment and stalking, with many arguing that better measures could have potentially prevented the tragedy.
Sunnyvale ESL Shooting: A Tragic Tale of Obsession and Violence
A Quiet Neighborhood Shattered
On a seemingly ordinary day, February 16, 1988, the peaceful town of Sunnyvale, California, was rocked by a horrific mass shooting that would forever scar its community. At the heart of this tragedy was Richard Wade Farley, a 39-year-old former employee of ESL Incorporated. His actions on that day would leave seven people dead and four others wounded. This harrowing event stemmed from Farley's relentless obsession with his co-worker, Laura Black, a fixation that began in 1984 and spiraled into deadly violence.
The Man Behind the Violence
Born on July 25, 1948, in Texas, Richard Wade Farley was the eldest of six children. His father's military career meant the family moved frequently before finally settling in California. Farley graduated from high school in 1966 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College. In 1967, he joined the United States Navy, serving for ten years until his discharge in 1977. Shortly afterward, Farley began working as a software technician at ESL Inc., a defense contractor in Sunnyvale.
An Unwanted Obsession
In April 1984, Farley's life took a dark turn when he met 22-year-old Laura Black at ESL Inc. He quickly became infatuated, claiming he "fell in love" with her instantly. Despite Black's consistent refusals of his advances, Farley was undeterred. He left gifts and letters on her desk, called her frequently, and even showed up at her aerobics class uninvited. His obsession grew more invasive as he obtained her personal information through deceitful means and sent her over 200 letters over four years.
Farley’s behavior escalated when he was ordered to attend psychological counseling sessions following a request for help from Black to ESL's Human Resources Department. Despite these measures, his harassment persisted, leading to his termination in May 1986 due to poor performance and threats to other employees.
The Day of the Shooting
As Black sought a temporary restraining order against him on February 2, 1988, Farley was undeterred. He purchased several weapons, including a Benelli Riot semi-automatic shotgun and a rifle with a scope, and amassed over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. On February 9, he delivered a package to Black's attorney, falsely claiming evidence of a longstanding relationship with her.
On February 16, 1988, the day before the restraining order hearing, Farley drove his motorhome to the ESL parking lot. Armed with a small arsenal, he entered the building, intent on confronting Black. His rampage began in the parking lot where he shot and killed Lawrence J. Kane, then continued inside, where he killed six more individuals and wounded Black by shooting through her office door.
A Deadly Standoff
Farley’s shooting spree prompted a swift response from police, leading to a tense five-hour standoff. During this time, Farley moved through the building, eluding SWAT snipers, and fired upon computer equipment. He spoke with negotiator Ruben Grijalva, expressing remorse for some actions yet remained defiant, claiming he had enough ammunition to continue for hours.
At one point, Farley allowed two people to leave the building, signaling a possible end to the violence. Eventually, he surrendered at 8:30 p.m. after requesting food, leaving behind a scene of devastation with seven dead and four injured.
The Victims
The victims of this tragedy were:
- Lawrence J. Kane, 46
- Wayne "Buddy" Williams Jr., 23
- Ronald G. Doney, 36
- Joseph Lawrence Silva, 43
- Glenda Moritz, 27
- Ronald Steven Reed, 26
- Helen Lamparter, 49
Those injured included:
- Laura Black, shot in the shoulder
- Gregory Scott, shot in the forehead
- Richard Townsley, shot in the chest
- Patty Marcott, who broke her arm while fleeing
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The day after the massacre, a judge made the restraining order against Farley permanent, with a stark reminder that "pieces of paper do not stop bullets." Laura Black survived her injuries and returned to work, despite Farley's continued attempts at contact from prison.
Farley’s trial was a complex affair. He admitted to the killings but claimed he never intended to harm anyone, only to get Black's attention. The prosecution, however, presented evidence of premeditation, highlighting his stalking behavior and weapon purchases. On October 21, 1991, he was found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on January 17, 1992.
Despite numerous appeals, Farley remained on death row, his sentence upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2009. As of 2023, he was incarcerated at the California Health Care Facility following a transfer from San Quentin State Prison. Attempts to reduce his sentence to life without parole have been unsuccessful, with a recent ruling in March 2025 reaffirming his death sentence.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Sunnyvale ESL shooting spurred the introduction of anti-stalking laws in California, setting a precedent for future legislation across the United States.
In 1993, the tragic events were depicted in the film "I Can Make You Love Me" (also known as "Stalking Laura" in the UK), starring Brooke Shields as Laura Black and Richard Thomas as Richard Farley.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Sunnyvale ESL shooting
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Stalking Begins
Richard Farley begins stalking Laura Black, a co-worker at ESL.
Farley Fired
Richard Farley is terminated from ESL due to poor performance and stalking behavior.
Restraining Order Filed
Laura Black files for a temporary restraining order against Richard Farley.
Mass Shooting Occurs
Richard Farley carries out a mass shooting at ESL, killing seven and injuring four.
Court Date Scheduled
A court date is set to determine the permanence of the restraining order against Farley.
Farley Convicted
Richard Farley is found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder.
Sentenced to Death
Farley is sentenced to death by Superior Court Judge Joseph Biafore Jr.
Death Sentence Upheld
California Supreme Court upholds Farley's death sentence.
Death Sentence Maintained
A judge rules to keep Farley's death sentence after victim testimony.
On February 16, 1988, a mass shooting occurred at the headquarters of ESL Incorporated in Sunnyvale, California, when 39-year-old Richard Farley opened fire, killing seven individuals and injuring four others. Farley, a former employee, had been stalking his co-worker Laura Black for four years, which motivated his attack. He used multiple firearms, including a Benelli Riot semi-automatic shotgun and a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, during the incident. Farley was apprehended at the scene and subsequently convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder; he is currently serving a death sentence at California Health Care Facility. The case remains significant in discussions surrounding workplace violence and stalking.
Richard Farley’s actions are often attributed to his obsessive stalking of Laura Black, leading to speculation that his mental health issues played a significant role in the shooting. Some believe that the workplace environment at ESL Incorporated may have contributed to the incident, as Farley felt rejected and isolated. Additionally, there is discussion about the effectiveness of workplace policies on harassment and stalking, with many arguing that better measures could have potentially prevented the tragedy.
Sunnyvale ESL Shooting: A Tragic Tale of Obsession and Violence
A Quiet Neighborhood Shattered
On a seemingly ordinary day, February 16, 1988, the peaceful town of Sunnyvale, California, was rocked by a horrific mass shooting that would forever scar its community. At the heart of this tragedy was Richard Wade Farley, a 39-year-old former employee of ESL Incorporated. His actions on that day would leave seven people dead and four others wounded. This harrowing event stemmed from Farley's relentless obsession with his co-worker, Laura Black, a fixation that began in 1984 and spiraled into deadly violence.
The Man Behind the Violence
Born on July 25, 1948, in Texas, Richard Wade Farley was the eldest of six children. His father's military career meant the family moved frequently before finally settling in California. Farley graduated from high school in 1966 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College. In 1967, he joined the United States Navy, serving for ten years until his discharge in 1977. Shortly afterward, Farley began working as a software technician at ESL Inc., a defense contractor in Sunnyvale.
An Unwanted Obsession
In April 1984, Farley's life took a dark turn when he met 22-year-old Laura Black at ESL Inc. He quickly became infatuated, claiming he "fell in love" with her instantly. Despite Black's consistent refusals of his advances, Farley was undeterred. He left gifts and letters on her desk, called her frequently, and even showed up at her aerobics class uninvited. His obsession grew more invasive as he obtained her personal information through deceitful means and sent her over 200 letters over four years.
Farley’s behavior escalated when he was ordered to attend psychological counseling sessions following a request for help from Black to ESL's Human Resources Department. Despite these measures, his harassment persisted, leading to his termination in May 1986 due to poor performance and threats to other employees.
The Day of the Shooting
As Black sought a temporary restraining order against him on February 2, 1988, Farley was undeterred. He purchased several weapons, including a Benelli Riot semi-automatic shotgun and a rifle with a scope, and amassed over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. On February 9, he delivered a package to Black's attorney, falsely claiming evidence of a longstanding relationship with her.
On February 16, 1988, the day before the restraining order hearing, Farley drove his motorhome to the ESL parking lot. Armed with a small arsenal, he entered the building, intent on confronting Black. His rampage began in the parking lot where he shot and killed Lawrence J. Kane, then continued inside, where he killed six more individuals and wounded Black by shooting through her office door.
A Deadly Standoff
Farley’s shooting spree prompted a swift response from police, leading to a tense five-hour standoff. During this time, Farley moved through the building, eluding SWAT snipers, and fired upon computer equipment. He spoke with negotiator Ruben Grijalva, expressing remorse for some actions yet remained defiant, claiming he had enough ammunition to continue for hours.
At one point, Farley allowed two people to leave the building, signaling a possible end to the violence. Eventually, he surrendered at 8:30 p.m. after requesting food, leaving behind a scene of devastation with seven dead and four injured.
The Victims
The victims of this tragedy were:
- Lawrence J. Kane, 46
- Wayne "Buddy" Williams Jr., 23
- Ronald G. Doney, 36
- Joseph Lawrence Silva, 43
- Glenda Moritz, 27
- Ronald Steven Reed, 26
- Helen Lamparter, 49
Those injured included:
- Laura Black, shot in the shoulder
- Gregory Scott, shot in the forehead
- Richard Townsley, shot in the chest
- Patty Marcott, who broke her arm while fleeing
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The day after the massacre, a judge made the restraining order against Farley permanent, with a stark reminder that "pieces of paper do not stop bullets." Laura Black survived her injuries and returned to work, despite Farley's continued attempts at contact from prison.
Farley’s trial was a complex affair. He admitted to the killings but claimed he never intended to harm anyone, only to get Black's attention. The prosecution, however, presented evidence of premeditation, highlighting his stalking behavior and weapon purchases. On October 21, 1991, he was found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on January 17, 1992.
Despite numerous appeals, Farley remained on death row, his sentence upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2009. As of 2023, he was incarcerated at the California Health Care Facility following a transfer from San Quentin State Prison. Attempts to reduce his sentence to life without parole have been unsuccessful, with a recent ruling in March 2025 reaffirming his death sentence.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Sunnyvale ESL shooting spurred the introduction of anti-stalking laws in California, setting a precedent for future legislation across the United States.
In 1993, the tragic events were depicted in the film "I Can Make You Love Me" (also known as "Stalking Laura" in the UK), starring Brooke Shields as Laura Black and Richard Thomas as Richard Farley.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Sunnyvale ESL shooting
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Stalking Begins
Richard Farley begins stalking Laura Black, a co-worker at ESL.
Farley Fired
Richard Farley is terminated from ESL due to poor performance and stalking behavior.
Restraining Order Filed
Laura Black files for a temporary restraining order against Richard Farley.
Mass Shooting Occurs
Richard Farley carries out a mass shooting at ESL, killing seven and injuring four.
Court Date Scheduled
A court date is set to determine the permanence of the restraining order against Farley.
Farley Convicted
Richard Farley is found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder.
Sentenced to Death
Farley is sentenced to death by Superior Court Judge Joseph Biafore Jr.
Death Sentence Upheld
California Supreme Court upholds Farley's death sentence.
Death Sentence Maintained
A judge rules to keep Farley's death sentence after victim testimony.