Sunnyvale ESL Shooting
Workplace Mass Shooting
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. Farley was apprehended at the scene and later convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder; he is currently serving a death sentence at California Health Care Facility. This incident remains one of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history.
Richard Farley's actions are believed to have been motivated by his obsessive stalking of Laura Black, which lasted for four years prior to the shooting. Some speculate that Farley's mental health issues and history of harassment contributed significantly to the escalation of his violent behavior. Additionally, discussions within the community often focus on the broader implications of workplace violence and the need for better preventive measures against stalking and harassment.
The Sunnyvale ESL Shooting: A Tragic Tale of Obsession and Violence
The Grim Day in Sunnyvale
On a seemingly ordinary day, February 16, 1988, the tranquil town of Sunnyvale, California, was shattered by an act of unimaginable violence. Richard Farley, a 39-year-old former employee of ESL Incorporated, walked into the company's headquarters and unleashed a torrent of bullets, leaving seven dead and four wounded. The scene of this tragedy was not just a workplace; it was a battlefield born out of years of obsessive fixation.
The Perpetrator: Richard Wade Farley
Richard Wade Farley, born on July 25, 1948, in Texas, was the eldest of six children in a family constantly on the move due to his father's military career. Eventually, they settled in California, where Farley graduated high school in 1966 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College. In 1967, he joined the United States Navy, serving for a decade before he embarked on a career as a software technician at ESL Inc., a defense contractor in Sunnyvale.
The Obsession Begins
In April 1984, Farley's life took a dark turn when he met 22-year-old Laura Black, a colleague at ESL. Captivated by her, Farley began a relentless campaign of unwanted attention. He left gifts and letters on her desk, persistently asking her out, despite her repeated refusals. Black, in an interview, described her attempts to ignore him while maintaining cordiality, hoping he would lose interest.
However, Farley's obsession only grew. He called her desk incessantly, stalked her at her aerobics class, and even obtained her personal information through deceit. He relentlessly pursued her, moving with her as she changed addresses, and sent approximately 200 letters over four years.
The Breaking Point
By 1985, Black sought help from ESL's Human Resources Department, leading to Farley being ordered to attend psychological counseling. Yet, his harassment continued unabated. In May 1986, after threatening fellow employees and performing poorly at work, he was terminated from ESL. This did not deter Farley; he found employment at a rival company but continued to stalk Black.
The Lead-Up to Tragedy
On February 2, 1988, Black, fearing for her safety, secured a temporary restraining order against Farley. A court date was set for February 17 to determine if it should be made permanent. Unperturbed, Farley purchased a shotgun and other weapons. The restraining order did not prevent him from buying these firearms. He even left a package for Black's attorney, filled with fabricated evidence of a supposed relationship with Black, which was dismissed as false.
On February 16, 1988, the day before the court hearing, Farley arrived at the ESL parking lot in his motorhome, armed to the teeth. He later claimed he intended to persuade Black to withdraw the restraining order or kill himself if she refused. But armed with a small arsenal, including a .380 caliber pistol, a .357 magnum, a .22 magnum, two shotguns, and more, he embarked on a deadly mission.
The Shooting and Standoff
Farley's rampage began in the parking lot, where he shot Lawrence J. Kane, 46, as he left the building. He then entered the ESL facility, shooting his way through glass doors and killing several more in his path. On reaching Black's office, he shot through her door, wounding her severely in the shoulder.
At 3:15 p.m., Farley called emergency services, admitting to the shootings and blaming Black and the restraining order. He held police at bay for five hours, moving throughout the building to avoid sniper fire. During negotiations with Officer Ruben Grijalva, Farley expressed remorse and contemplated suicide, though he never showed regret for the lives he had taken.
The Victims
The lives lost that day were:
- Lawrence J. Kane, 46, San Jose
- Wayne "Buddy" Williams Jr., 23, San Jose
- Ronald G. Doney, 36, Manteca
- Joseph Lawrence Silva, 43
- Glenda Moritz, 27
- Ronald Steven Reed, 26
- Helen Lamparter, 49, Sunnyvale
The injured included Laura Black, who was shot in the shoulder, Gregory Scott, shot in the forehead, Richard Townsley, shot in the chest, and Patty Marcott, who broke her arm while fleeing.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The aftermath of Farley's actions was profound. Laura Black survived her injuries and continued working at ESL. Farley, having written to her from prison, claimed she had "finally won."
Farley admitted to the killings during his trial but pleaded not guilty, arguing he intended only to confront Black or commit suicide. His defense claimed he was not inherently violent, but driven by obsession. The prosecution, however, presented extensive evidence of premeditation, including his stalking history and weapon purchases.
On October 21, 1991, Richard Farley was found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder. On January 17, 1992, he was sentenced to death and was initially housed at San Quentin State Prison. In 2009, the California Supreme Court upheld his sentence. By 2023, he was moved to the California Health Care Facility as part of a broader inmate transfer program.
Efforts to reduce his sentence to life without parole were initiated by District Attorney Jeff Rosen in 2024 but were ultimately denied in March 2025, after victim testimonies reinforced the severity of his crimes.
Legacy
The Sunnyvale ESL shooting had a lasting impact, leading to the introduction of California's first anti-stalking laws in 1990. The incident was later depicted in the 1993 movie "I Can Make You Love Me," starring Brooke Shields as Laura Black.
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Stalking Begins
Richard Farley begins stalking Laura Black, his 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 Set
A court date is set to determine if the restraining order against Farley should be permanent.
Farley Convicted
Richard Farley is found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder.
Death Sentence Imposed
Farley is sentenced to death by Superior Court Judge Joseph Biafore Jr.
Death Sentence Upheld
The California Supreme Court upholds Richard Farley's death sentence.
Death Sentence Maintained
A judge rules that Farley's death sentence will remain 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. Farley was apprehended at the scene and later convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder; he is currently serving a death sentence at California Health Care Facility. This incident remains one of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history.
Richard Farley's actions are believed to have been motivated by his obsessive stalking of Laura Black, which lasted for four years prior to the shooting. Some speculate that Farley's mental health issues and history of harassment contributed significantly to the escalation of his violent behavior. Additionally, discussions within the community often focus on the broader implications of workplace violence and the need for better preventive measures against stalking and harassment.
The Sunnyvale ESL Shooting: A Tragic Tale of Obsession and Violence
The Grim Day in Sunnyvale
On a seemingly ordinary day, February 16, 1988, the tranquil town of Sunnyvale, California, was shattered by an act of unimaginable violence. Richard Farley, a 39-year-old former employee of ESL Incorporated, walked into the company's headquarters and unleashed a torrent of bullets, leaving seven dead and four wounded. The scene of this tragedy was not just a workplace; it was a battlefield born out of years of obsessive fixation.
The Perpetrator: Richard Wade Farley
Richard Wade Farley, born on July 25, 1948, in Texas, was the eldest of six children in a family constantly on the move due to his father's military career. Eventually, they settled in California, where Farley graduated high school in 1966 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College. In 1967, he joined the United States Navy, serving for a decade before he embarked on a career as a software technician at ESL Inc., a defense contractor in Sunnyvale.
The Obsession Begins
In April 1984, Farley's life took a dark turn when he met 22-year-old Laura Black, a colleague at ESL. Captivated by her, Farley began a relentless campaign of unwanted attention. He left gifts and letters on her desk, persistently asking her out, despite her repeated refusals. Black, in an interview, described her attempts to ignore him while maintaining cordiality, hoping he would lose interest.
However, Farley's obsession only grew. He called her desk incessantly, stalked her at her aerobics class, and even obtained her personal information through deceit. He relentlessly pursued her, moving with her as she changed addresses, and sent approximately 200 letters over four years.
The Breaking Point
By 1985, Black sought help from ESL's Human Resources Department, leading to Farley being ordered to attend psychological counseling. Yet, his harassment continued unabated. In May 1986, after threatening fellow employees and performing poorly at work, he was terminated from ESL. This did not deter Farley; he found employment at a rival company but continued to stalk Black.
The Lead-Up to Tragedy
On February 2, 1988, Black, fearing for her safety, secured a temporary restraining order against Farley. A court date was set for February 17 to determine if it should be made permanent. Unperturbed, Farley purchased a shotgun and other weapons. The restraining order did not prevent him from buying these firearms. He even left a package for Black's attorney, filled with fabricated evidence of a supposed relationship with Black, which was dismissed as false.
On February 16, 1988, the day before the court hearing, Farley arrived at the ESL parking lot in his motorhome, armed to the teeth. He later claimed he intended to persuade Black to withdraw the restraining order or kill himself if she refused. But armed with a small arsenal, including a .380 caliber pistol, a .357 magnum, a .22 magnum, two shotguns, and more, he embarked on a deadly mission.
The Shooting and Standoff
Farley's rampage began in the parking lot, where he shot Lawrence J. Kane, 46, as he left the building. He then entered the ESL facility, shooting his way through glass doors and killing several more in his path. On reaching Black's office, he shot through her door, wounding her severely in the shoulder.
At 3:15 p.m., Farley called emergency services, admitting to the shootings and blaming Black and the restraining order. He held police at bay for five hours, moving throughout the building to avoid sniper fire. During negotiations with Officer Ruben Grijalva, Farley expressed remorse and contemplated suicide, though he never showed regret for the lives he had taken.
The Victims
The lives lost that day were:
- Lawrence J. Kane, 46, San Jose
- Wayne "Buddy" Williams Jr., 23, San Jose
- Ronald G. Doney, 36, Manteca
- Joseph Lawrence Silva, 43
- Glenda Moritz, 27
- Ronald Steven Reed, 26
- Helen Lamparter, 49, Sunnyvale
The injured included Laura Black, who was shot in the shoulder, Gregory Scott, shot in the forehead, Richard Townsley, shot in the chest, and Patty Marcott, who broke her arm while fleeing.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The aftermath of Farley's actions was profound. Laura Black survived her injuries and continued working at ESL. Farley, having written to her from prison, claimed she had "finally won."
Farley admitted to the killings during his trial but pleaded not guilty, arguing he intended only to confront Black or commit suicide. His defense claimed he was not inherently violent, but driven by obsession. The prosecution, however, presented extensive evidence of premeditation, including his stalking history and weapon purchases.
On October 21, 1991, Richard Farley was found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder. On January 17, 1992, he was sentenced to death and was initially housed at San Quentin State Prison. In 2009, the California Supreme Court upheld his sentence. By 2023, he was moved to the California Health Care Facility as part of a broader inmate transfer program.
Efforts to reduce his sentence to life without parole were initiated by District Attorney Jeff Rosen in 2024 but were ultimately denied in March 2025, after victim testimonies reinforced the severity of his crimes.
Legacy
The Sunnyvale ESL shooting had a lasting impact, leading to the introduction of California's first anti-stalking laws in 1990. The incident was later depicted in the 1993 movie "I Can Make You Love Me," starring Brooke Shields as Laura Black.
Sources
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, his 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 Set
A court date is set to determine if the restraining order against Farley should be permanent.
Farley Convicted
Richard Farley is found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder.
Death Sentence Imposed
Farley is sentenced to death by Superior Court Judge Joseph Biafore Jr.
Death Sentence Upheld
The California Supreme Court upholds Richard Farley's death sentence.
Death Sentence Maintained
A judge rules that Farley's death sentence will remain after victim testimony.