ATF ballistic tracing ties firearm to killer of Columbia woman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A joint ATF and Columbia Police Department investigation resulted in a 15-year sentence for Anthony Reese, 56, of Columbia, S.C. Reese was sentenced on Wednesday for possession of a firearm in relation to the 2025 murder of girlfriend Angela Fuller.

"Ballistic tracing has proven time and time again to be an essential tool in connecting crime scenes to violent criminals," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. "In the course of this investigation, shell casings recovered at a deadly shooting helped lead the way to identifying the suspect and holding him accountable for this horrible crime."

Evidence showed that on the night of Aug. 29, 2025, Reese left a residence near Columbia with Fuller. Fuller's body was found later in a wooded area off Two Notch Road. Several days later, Reese fled a traffic stop and led officers on a high-speed chase, eventually crashing the vehicle in Lexington. Officers recovered a loaded firearm from Reese's vehicle and, following an extensive search, recovered Fuller's body shortly after. Ballistic testing confirmed that the firearm found in Reese's possession was used to kill Fuller.

Law enforcement agencies across South Carolina have access to ballistic tracing thought ATF's National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a ballistic imaging network used to connect spent cartridge casings to specific firearms involved in violent crimes. NIBIN identifies unique markings on casings found at crime scenes and connects those casings to the firearms used in the crime, which can often lead to the identification of suspects.

Reese is a repeat offender, with prior felony convictions for domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, shoplifting, burglary, and assault and battery. He is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ , Instagram @ATFHQ , LinkedIn @ATF , and Facebook @HQATF , or on the web at www.atf.gov .