R. Farley. Typed Postcard. 4 × 6. May 20, 2025. Stockton, CA

Richard Wade Farley, born July 25, 1948, in Texas, is an American mass murderer who committed a deadly workplace shooting in Sunnyvale, California, in 1988. After years of stalking his coworker Laura Black, Farley entered his former workplace, ESL Incorporated, and killed seven people while injuring four others. Convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder, he was sentenced to death in 1992 and remains incarcerated. His actions led to significant changes in California's laws regarding stalking and workplace violence.

Obsession Unleashed: The Richard Farley Tragedy

Basic Information

Richard Wade Farley was born on July 25, 1948, in Texas. As of 2025, he is incarcerated at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton, California, under a death sentence. Farley's criminal record includes seven counts of first-degree murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, burglary, and felony vandalism, all stemming from a mass shooting at ESL Incorporated in Sunnyvale, California, on February 16, 1988.

Background

Farley was the eldest of six children in a military family, leading to a nomadic childhood with frequent relocations before settling in California. He graduated from high school in 1966 and briefly attended Santa Rosa Junior College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1967, serving for a decade. After his discharge in 1977, Farley secured employment as a software technician at ESL Incorporated, a defense contractor in Sunnyvale. Colleagues described him as competent but socially awkward, with few close associations.

Criminal Activity

In April 1984, Farley became infatuated with Laura Black, a 22-year-old electrical engineer who had recently joined ESL. Despite her clear rejections, Farley's obsession intensified. He inundated her with over 200 letters, left gifts on her desk, and persistently asked her out. Farley also manipulated coworkers to obtain Black's personal information, including her home address and phone number, and accessed her confidential personnel files. His stalking escalated to following her to aerobics classes and confronting her in public spaces.

Black reported Farley's behavior to ESL's Human Resources, leading to his termination in 1986. Undeterred, Farley continued his harassment, prompting Black to seek a restraining order in early 1988. The day before a scheduled court hearing, Farley armed himself with multiple firearms, including a Benelli Riot semi-automatic shotgun, a rifle with a scope, and several handguns. On February 16, 1988, he entered ESL's premises and embarked on a shooting spree, killing seven employees and injuring four others. Farley specifically targeted Black, shooting her in the shoulder, but she survived by hiding under a desk. After a five-hour standoff with police, Farley surrendered.

Legal Proceedings

Farley was arrested on February 16, 1988, by Sunnyvale police. He was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, burglary, and felony vandalism. During his trial, which began in 1991, the prosecution presented extensive evidence of premeditation, including Farley's acquisition of weapons and ammunition leading up to the attack. In October 1991, the jury found Farley guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to death in January 1992. Despite numerous appeals, his death sentence has been upheld, with the most recent denial in March 2025.

Impact on Victims and Society

The shooting resulted in the deaths of seven individuals: Joseph Silva, Wayne Williams, Glenda Moritz, Ronald Reed, Helen Lamparter, Ronald Doney, and Lawrence Kane. Four others were injured, including Laura Black. The psychological trauma extended beyond the immediate victims, affecting coworkers, families, and the broader community. The incident garnered national attention, highlighting the dangers of workplace violence and stalking. In response, California enacted the first anti-stalking laws in the United States, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

Current Status

As of June 2025, Richard Farley remains on death row at the California Health Care Facility. Despite a statewide moratorium on executions, his sentence has not been commuted. There have been no indications of rehabilitation efforts, and given the nature of his crimes, he is considered a continued threat to society if ever released.

Conclusion

The case of Richard Farley underscores the critical importance of addressing stalking behaviors and implementing effective workplace safety measures. It also highlights the need for legal systems to respond promptly to threats and protect potential victims. The legacy of this tragedy is reflected in the strengthened laws and increased awareness surrounding stalking and workplace violence.

Additional Note

For collectors of true crime memorabilia, items associated with Richard Farley are exceedingly rare and may hold significant value due to their scarcity. However, ethical considerations should be taken into account when seeking such items.

VIDEO: Inside Edition of CA mass murderer Richard Farley stalking Laura Black and killing 7 people | https://youtu.be/teDYMj84Igg

VIDEO: The Twisted Obsession of Richard Farley... | https://youtu.be/-mLeBTddQ1I

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