Man sentenced for killing co-workers in Fargo

February 7, 2023

FARGO (KFGO) – Anthony Reese, the Moorhead, Minnesota man who pleaded guilty to shooting and killing two co-workers and an unborn child in November of 2021, was sentenced Monday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Reese, 36, shot and killed Richard Pittman, 43, and April Carbone, 32, on Nov. 17, 2021 at Composite America-Melet Plastics in Fargo.

Reese and Pittman got into a work-related argument prior to the shootings. Carbone was 8 months pregnant with Pittman’s child, and the unborn girl, Layla, also died. Pittman was shot four times. Carbone was shot twice.

Reese drove to the police station after the shootings and turned himself in.

District Judge Wade Webb handed down the sentence at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo. Prior to the sentencing, family members read impact statements via Zoom.

Maria Rignoli and Pittman had a son named Devin together. She read Devin’s statement.

“Everyday, I catch myself attempting to call him, and I stop myself, realizing my father is no longer here with me,” Rignoli read. “I am now left with no father, the man I looked up to, and loved with all my heart…he will never be able to see me get married, or possibly meet his future grandchildren.”

Pittman’s mother, Paula Cromwell, also made a statement

“You killed my son. You killed my grandchild, and her mother,” Cromwell said. “You’re a coward, not fit to live in society. He posed no threat to you. All he attempted to do was help you. If you ever need to talk to somebody, the devil’s waiting.”

Reese was given the chance to make a statement, but chose not to. His sentences will run concurrently.