Federal prosecutors announced new developments in the case against former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, 38, who is charged with the murder of Sandra Birchmore, 23. Court documents filed by both defense and prosecution reveal plans to introduce DNA evidence, with prosecutors noting, "expert testimony regarding DNA testing in this case" will be presented. Preliminary DNA test results have been provided to Farwell’s defense team, according to these filings.
Farwell, arrested in August, faces allegations of strangling Birchmore and staging her death as a suicide. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy stated that Birchmore’s death was the culmination of years of grooming and abuse by Farwell, beginning when she was a young teenager.
Authorities allege that Farwell’s inappropriate relationship with Birchmore began in 2013, three years after she joined the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorers Program at the age of 12. By 15, Birchmore was reportedly being sexually exploited by Farwell, then 27, despite the age of consent being 16 in Massachusetts. The two continued a relationship for years, with Farwell often meeting her for sexual encounters, including while on duty, according to court records.
In late 2020, Birchmore informed Farwell that she was pregnant with his child. This disclosure reportedly led to tension and violence in their relationship. “Mr. Farwell was losing control in late 2020, early 2021,” Levy noted. “The information that Sandra Birchmore possessed about his illegal conduct was in danger of slipping out.”
Levy claims that Farwell sought to silence Birchmore, driven by fear that she might expose his actions to authorities. Text messages obtained by federal investigators indicate that Farwell grew increasingly hostile toward Birchmore after learning she had confided in friends about their relationship. These interactions show that in January 2021, Farwell was angry when Birchmore requested he attend medical appointments and provide information for the baby’s birth certificate. Shortly afterward, prosecutors allege he killed her.
On February 1, 2021, prosecutors believe Farwell strangled Birchmore in her Canton apartment, staging the scene to appear as though she had taken her own life. Levy asserted that the nature of Birchmore’s injuries, particularly the broken neck, is inconsistent with suicide. Forensic expert William Smock, part of the federal investigation team, highlighted that the neck injuries were “more commonly seen in strangulation assaults,” challenging the initial suicide ruling.
The indictment against Farwell includes a charge of murder, specifically for killing a witness to prevent the disclosure of federal crimes. Prosecutors allege that his actions demonstrate premeditation and malice. In addition, Farwell faces allegations of coercion, deprivation of rights, and potential wire fraud.
Federal authorities also revealed that Farwell’s brother, William, admitted to a sexual relationship with Birchmore shortly after her death. William Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer, agreed to surrender his police certification in September and resigned amid an internal investigation in 2022.
Farwell, who has pleaded not guilty, remains in custody without bail. His case will proceed with the new evidence provided by DNA testing and testimony that the prosecution believes will strengthen their argument. The charges Farwell faces could lead to a life sentence or potentially the death penalty, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crimes against Birchmore.
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Nov 15 202413 mins
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