A former police detective from Massachusetts has been charged with the murder of a woman who had recently informed him of her pregnancy, which he allegedly strangled and then attempted to stage as a suicide. The federal prosecutors announced the charges against Matthew Farwell in connection with the death of Sandra Birchmore in 2021.
Federal prosecutors claim that Farwell, who served as an instructor at the Stoughton Police Explorers Academy, had been grooming and sexually abusing Birchmore since she was a minor. Farwell, 38, was a member of the Stoughton Police Department from 2012 until 2022. Birchmore, who sought guidance in law enforcement, allegedly began a sexual relationship with Farwell when she was just 15 years old.
U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy informed the press that Birchmore endured years of grooming and sexual abuse before her death at the age of 23 on February 1, 2021, in her apartment in Canton, Massachusetts. Prosecutors allege that Farwell killed her when he could no longer control her and as his illicit relationship with her began to come to light.
Initially categorized as a suicide, Birchmore’s death was re-examined after a friend alerted law enforcement about Farwell’s sexual relationship with the victim. Authorities claim Farwell became increasingly violent as the situation escalated, ultimately leading to Birchmore’s death just hours before the birth of his third child.
Charging documents indicate that Farwell allegedly decomposed evidence regarding the nature of their relationship, including coerced requests for Birchmore to delete information from her phone. He misled investigators about the timeline of their relationship, claiming it began two years prior.
Birchmore’s troubling experiences as part of the Police Explorers program were highlighted in an investigation regarding abuse allegations across similar organizations nationwide. The Stoughton Police Chief previously disclosed that an internal investigation found inappropriate relations involving Farwell and two other officers, including Farwell’s twin brother William, with Birchmore.
The Stoughton Police Chief, Donna McNamara, stated that the behavior exhibited by the officers was deeply disturbing and violated fundamental ethical standards of the department. The internal investigation revealed extensive inappropriate communications between Farwell and Birchmore over several years.
In light of the allegations, the Stoughton Police Department has recommended permanently revoking the certifications of Farwell and the other officers accused of misconduct, ensuring they cannot serve in law enforcement again. McNamara expressed her commitment to securing justice for Birchmore, stating that she didn’t receive justice during her lifetime, and emphasized the importance of the ongoing legal process.