San Jose, California – In a poignant and emotional hearing, former employees of ESL Inc. in Sunnyvale recounted the horrifying events of 1988 when Richard Wade Farley carried out a massacre that left seven people dead. They shared heartbreaking stories of watching their colleagues being fatally shot, hiding in fear for hours, and witnessing the aftermath of Farley’s rampage.
The hearing, held in Judge Benjamin Williams’ courtroom, marked the conclusion of a significant initiative by Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. The initiative aimed to move men convicted of notorious killings off death row and into lifetime imprisonment. After 11 resentencings, the final case involving Farley took a stark turn.
Despite being 76 years old and in the advanced stages of cancer, Farley showed no remorse or signs of rehabilitation. Judge Williams, referring to the mass shooting as “the most horrific crime committed in this county,” declined to resentence Farley, citing his dangerous nature.
The decision was met with relief from Libby Williams Allen, whose husband was among Farley’s victims. With the support of victim family members, attorney James McManis, and retired police Detective Chris Dow, Williams Allen expressed gratitude for the fight for justice.
Rosen’s office refrained from commenting on the ruling, reflecting on the pragmatic approach to a system where the death penalty is unlikely to be carried out. However, families of victims and their supporters expressed strong opposition to the resentencings, highlighting the emotional toll of reliving past traumas.
The ESL shooting, a tragic emblem of workplace violence, triggered anti-stalking legislation due to Farley’s actions following his dismissal from the company. The resentencings, which included notorious killers from South Bay history, sparked controversy and debate over the pursuit of justice and the effectiveness of capital punishment.
Amidst the resentencing hearings and the complexities of the legal system, the voices of victims’ families and survivors played a crucial role in seeking accountability and closure. The outcome of Farley’s case served as a reminder of the enduring impact of violent crimes and the ongoing pursuit of justice for those affected.
The hearing on March 21, 2025, shed light on the profound pain and resilience of individuals impacted by tragedy, underscoring the complexities of the justice system and the quest for closure in the face of unspeakable loss.