A former Massachusetts police detective has been charged with the murder of a woman who had recently disclosed her pregnancy to him, with prosecutors alleging he attempted to disguise the crime as a suicide. Matthew Farwell, 38, is accused of killing 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore in February 2021 after years of grooming and sexual abuse that began when she was a minor in a police youth program he supervised.
Federal prosecutors revealed that the alleged relationship between Farwell and Birchmore began when she was just 15 years old. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy indicated that Farwell initiated sexual encounters with Birchmore, which continued even during his time on duty.
The case took a dark turn when Birchmore informed Farwell in late 2020 that she was pregnant and expressed her desire to keep the child, prompting an increasingly erratic response from Farwell. Prosecutors argue that he killed her as concerns about their relationship began to surface. Birchmore’s death was initially classified as a suicide, but further investigation revealed a more sinister narrative.
Farwell was arrested by the FBI on accusations of killing a victim or witness. Prosecutors assert that he strangled Birchmore in her Canton apartment shortly before the birth of his third child.
Evidence suggests that Farwell took steps to conceal his actions, including instructing Birchmore to delete incriminating messages and manipulating the crime scene to suggest suicide. Furthermore, he allegedly misled investigators by minimizing the duration and extent of their sexual relationship.
Birchmore had sought guidance in law enforcement, and her tragic story has drawn attention to allegations of abuse within police Explorer programs. An internal investigation following her death led to significant revelations regarding inappropriate relationships involving Farwell and two other officers, including his twin brother William.
The Stoughton Police Department’s Chief Donna McNamara described the behavior of the former officers as deeply disturbing and emphasized the importance of accountability for Birchmore’s case. The department has recommended that the officers’ law enforcement certifications be permanently revoked.
As of now, Matthew Farwell’s lawyer has not responded to requests for comment, and the investigation into the actions of all involved continues.