Anthony Demetrius Reese, a 55-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The plea comes as authorities continue their investigation into the murder of Angela Fuller, who was reported missing by a relative and was last seen with Reese.
On August 31, 2025, officers from the Columbia Police Department began investigating Fuller’s disappearance. When they attempted to stop Reese’s vehicle during the course of their investigation, he fled and subsequently crashed in Lexington. Law enforcement recovered a loaded firearm from his vehicle. Reese has previous felony convictions for domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, shoplifting (third offense or above), burglary (second degree), and assault and battery (second degree), making it illegal for him to possess firearms or ammunition.
Following an extensive search, authorities located Fuller’s body. Testing confirmed that the firearm found in Reese’s vehicle matched the weapon used in her murder.
Reese faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the gun charge. He could also be fined up to $250,000 and may be required to pay restitution. Additionally, if convicted, he would face three years of supervised release following any prison term. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. accepted Reese’s guilty plea and will determine sentencing after reviewing a report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
On state charges related to Fuller’s death—including murder, unauthorized removal of a dead body, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen pistol—Reese has pleaded not guilty. He remains presumed innocent on those charges unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major is prosecuting.
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