Episode 70 | This week is a bonus! The show continues on a biweekly release schedule but I spent many hours with Susanne Cleveland of Justice for Sandra Birchmore and there is a lot that needs to be said.

Sandra Birchmore's short life was filled with loss and disappointment but she seemed to look at the brightside of things and was forging her own path despite it all. She was finding success on her terms. She was hired to work for the Sharon School System as a teaching aid, she was preparing to begin nursing school, had recently moved into her very own apartment in Canton and - what pleased her the most - she was expecting a baby. All those plans were haulted when a man, a man she had looked up to for much of her life made a plan to end her life.

And he almost got away with it.

Source links at crimeofthetruestkind.com

Justice for Sandra Birchmore Facebook Group

The tragic death of Sandra Birchmore has jolted a town and exposed alarming misconduct within the Stoughton Police Department. Advocate Susanne Cleveland joina me to scrutinize the internal investigation that revealed appalling actions by former officers Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, and Robert C. Devine. Their crimes, including statutory rape, have spurred efforts to decertify them and fueled a wrongful death lawsuit led by Sandra’s family. This episode unpacks the systemic issues in law enforcement and the crucial role public outcry plays in driving accountability and reform.

This episode explores the broader implications for protecting individuals from predatory behavior within law enforcement. We reflect on the ongoing battle for legislative change, the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors, and the public’s frustration with law enforcement’s mishandling of critical cases.

Don't miss the next live show, featuring North Shore Crime Cases and an engaging Q&A session on Thursday, Oct 10 at Off Cabot in Beverly, Mass.

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For show notes & source information at CrimeoftheTruestKind.com
This podcast has minimal profanity but from time to time you get one or some curse words. This isn't for kids.
Become a patron: Patreon.com/crimeofthetruestkind
Music included in episodes from Joe "onlyone" Kowalski, Dug McCormack's Math Ghosts and Shredding by Andrew King

Episode 69 | Justice For Sandra Birchmore (part one)

Subjects include sexual abuse, miscarriage, coercive control, self harm, suicide, homicide, police misconduct and WAP by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.

Sometimes I swear. Listen with care.

*Episode updated to reflect additional information provided by Sandra's family members

Sandra's case has been languishing for over 3 years (minus a decade of abuse).
In August 2024, Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton, Massachusetts police officer was arrested and charged with her murder - a murder that was first deemed a suicide when she was found on February 4, 2021. Sandra's friends and family never believed she took her own life. They were right. Justice is coming.

Stoughton is a small town with a few notables like superstar songwriter, Lori McKenna, and Nicola Sacco of the notorious prohibition-era anarchist crime duo of Sacco and Vanzetti (or were they?).

What happens when those sworn to serve and protect become the perpetrators of unspeakable crimes? This episode of Crime of the Truest Kind unravels the harrowing story of Sandra Birchmore from Stoughton, Massachusetts, a case stained by misuse of power, child sexual abuse, and systemic failures.
Setting the stage for Sandra’s tragic narrative, which has shockingly been overlooked until recently. Special guest Susanne Cleveland, a relentless advocate for Sandra, joins us to bring truth, clarity and respect to her memory.

Tracing Sandra’s heartbreaking journey from her introduction to her abusers through the Police Explorers program at just 13, to the relentless abuse she endured, culminating in her tragic death and exposing not only the predatory actions of these individuals, but also the complicity of other officers like Robert C. Devine, who enabled this abuse and was a participant. The systemic failures and the betrayal by those in authority serve as a grim reminder of the broader issues within law enforcement.

We confront the dismissive and misogynistic attitudes that trivialize women's experiences and the historical context of labeling women as "hysterical." The fight for justice in Sandra Birchmore’s case goes on.
If you are experiencing abuse of any kind - coercive control, sexual, physical, financial, emotional, there is help:
•Jane Doe Inc - janedoe.org/find_help
• National Domestic Violence Hotline - thehotline.org

Visit Justice For Sandra Birchmore

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For show notes & source information at CrimeoftheTruestKind.com
This podcast has minimal profanity but from time to time you get one or some curse words. This isn't for kids.
Become a patron: Patreon.com/crimeofthetruestkind
Music included in episodes from Joe "onlyone" Kowalski, Dug McCormack's Math Ghosts and Shredding by Andrew King

In remembrance of Holly, on the 31st anniversary of her disappearance.
Holly's abduction and murder remain unresolved.

.. .. ..

Thirty years ago today, 10-year-old Holly Piirainen was enjoying a lazy summer day with her family at their vacation cottage in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. What should have been an innocent visit with a litter of puppies nearby turned into a decades-long nightmare for her family.

Holly disappeared. The only trace of her was one red sneaker. She would be found two and a half months later in the nearby town of Brimfield, in the next county over.

As we revisit the details of Holly's case, there are a great many mysteries still. I speak to journalist and former editor of Grafton News, Holly's hometown paper, Rich Price about his journey into the intricate details of her disappearance, the potential suspects in her abduction and murder, and his relationship with the Piirainen family members.

In our exploration of Holly's case, we take a moment to appreciate the distinctive beauty of Massachusetts and New England. I share details about local landmarks in the areas relative to Holly's case.

Please share any information you have, overheard, or may have remembered,
Your help is needed to solve her case

Call 413-505-5993
or the State Police Unresolved Cases Unit at 855-627-6583
OR text the word SOLVE to 274637

Reach the Hampden District Attorney in Springfield, Mass at HampdenDA.com

Listen: Holly's Been Taken
a podcast about Holly Piirainen's disappearance and murder, by Rich Price

Site developed by investigators to help solve Holly's case:
HelpHolly.com

Visit CrimeoftheTruestKind.com
Crime of the Truest Kind
Created, written, and hosted by Anngelle Wood

Send a message to the show

Support the show

Follow Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

For show notes & source information at CrimeoftheTruestKind.com
This podcast has minimal profanity but from time to time you get one or some curse words. This isn't for kids.
Become a patron: Patreon.com/crimeofthetruestkind
Music included in episodes from Joe "onlyone" Kowalski, Dug McCormack's Math Ghosts and Shredding by Andrew King