Columbia Police Charge Man with Murder of Angela Fuller

Columbia, South Carolina, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Columbia Police have arrested Anthony Reese, 55, in connection with the murder of Angela Fuller, 39, who was reported missing and later found dead. The investigation revealed Fuller’s vehicle abandoned shortly after her disappearance, leading to Reese’s arrest following a police chase. He faces multiple charges, including murder and possession of a stolen weapon. The police utilized advanced technology and surveillance to piece together the case, while motives remain unclear. A funeral for Fuller is scheduled soon.

Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia Police have charged 55-year-old Anthony Reese with the murder of 39-year-old Angela Fuller. Fuller was reported missing on August 31, 2023, after her family expressed concerns for her welfare on August 29. Her body was discovered on September 11, 2023, in a wooded area off Shakespeare Road in Richland County.

In addition to the murder charge, Reese faces further allegations including unauthorized removal of a dead body, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen pistol. He is currently in custody at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

During a recent news conference, Police Chief Skip Holbrook characterized the search for Fuller as “intense and deeply emotional.” Fuller’s vehicle was found abandoned near Beltline Boulevard and Covenant Road, where it had been left on the same night she was reported missing. Reese was seen with Fuller on August 29, which raised suspicions during the investigation.

Investigators followed leads based on the discovery of Fuller’s abandoned vehicle and located Reese’s car in the Broad River Road area. Officers attempted to pull him over, which resulted in a police chase through Columbia, Richland County neighborhoods, and ultimately to the Lake Murray dam towards Lexington County. This chase ended in a crash at a major intersection on U.S. 321 in Lexington. A firearm was recovered from Reese’s vehicle, which was identified as the murder weapon.

Reese was previously arrested on other charges, including failure to stop for blue lights, unlawful carry of a pistol, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to state charges, federal authorities have charged him with a firearms violation due to his criminal history.

The police investigation utilized over 100 locations, incorporating surveillance video, geographic mapping technology, and tips from family members. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has reported that Angela Fuller died from a gunshot wound to her upper body, with DNA testing confirming that blood found in her vehicle belonged to her. Surveillance footage showed Fuller and Reese together during the days leading up to her disappearance.

At this time, investigators have not determined a clear motive for the crime. Chief Holbrook highlighted the personal connection officers had during the pursuit of justice for Fuller. A funeral service for Angela Fuller is scheduled for 1 p.m. on September 21 at Second Nazareth Church in Columbia, organized by Leevy’s Funeral Home.

Key Facts

• Suspect: Anthony Reese, 55 years old
• Victim: Angela Fuller, 39 years old
• Date missing: August 31, 2023
• Discovered: September 11, 2023
• Charges against Reese: Murder, unauthorized removal of a dead body, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a stolen pistol
• Location of Fuller’s body: Wooded area off Shakespeare Road, Richland County

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Angela Fuller Update
• Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
• KMIZ: Remaining Suspects Arrested in 2017 Columbia Homicide
• Google Search: Angela Fuller murder case
• ABC 17: Columbia Police Arrest Two More in 2017 Murder Case
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
• Cola Daily: Columbia Police Arrest Murder Suspect
• Google News: Columbia South Carolina crime

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