In a tragic turn of events on November 17, 2021, a workplace dispute in Fargo, North Dakota, escalated into a fatal shooting, claiming the lives of 43-year-old Richard Pittman, a Black/African American male, his 32-year-old partner, April Carbone, and their unborn daughter. The incident occurred at Composite America, a plastics manufacturing facility where Pittman, Carbone, and the shooter were all employed.
The day's tragic events began with a work-related argument between Pittman and
his coworker, 35-year-old Anthony Reese Jr. Following the initial confrontation, Reese was instructed to leave the premises. However, he soon returned, armed with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Reese then sought out Pittman and shot him multiple times. As Carbone, who was eight months pregnant, attempted to flee, Reese turned the weapon on her, shooting her multiple times as well.
Richard Pittman was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. April Carbone and her unborn child, who was to be named Layla, were pronounced dead at the scene. Following the shooting, Anthony Reese Jr. drove to the Fargo Police Department and surrendered to authorities. He informed officers that he had discarded the firearm in a residential area, and it was later recovered by detectives.
Reese was subsequently charged with three counts of murder for the deaths of Pittman, Carbone, and their unborn child. In November 2022, he pleaded guilty to all charges. During his sentencing in February 2023, family members of the victims delivered emotional impact statements, sharing their profound grief and loss with the court. Anthony Reese Jr. was sentenced to three concurrent life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated for his actions.
