A former Stoughton, Massachusetts, police officer, Matthew Farwell, has been indicted in federal court concerning the death of Sandra Birchmore, who was found dead in her apartment in Canton in 2021. Initially ruled a suicide, Birchmore was three months pregnant at the time of her death. Prosecutors now allege that Farwell killed Birchmore and staged her death to appear as a suicide.
Farwell, 38, is accused of maintaining a sexual relationship with Birchmore from the time she was a minor, starting when she was just 15 years old, to when she was 23. According to federal prosecutors, he killed her after she revealed her pregnancy to him, allegedly to prevent her from disclosing their relationship and his associated crimes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy stated that Birchmore suffered years of grooming and sexual violence at the hands of Farwell, who was serving as a police officer and detective during their relationship. Following his arrest on Wednesday by an FBI SWAT team, local law enforcement agencies issued statements decrying the allegations and expressing support for the federal prosecution.
The case initially appeared to be a suicide, but further investigation revealed critical new evidence that led to the indictment. A pathologist hired by Birchmore’s family determined her death was a homicide, contradicting the initial ruling. Prosecutors claim that Farwell committed the murder to eliminate any potential for Birchmore to report their abusive relationship.
Court documents highlight that in the lead-up to her death, Birchmore was excited about her pregnancy, making arrangements for baby clothes and a photoshoot. In contrast, Farwell’s demeanor deteriorated as he became increasingly concerned about losing control over Birchmore, ultimately resulting in her strangulation and the staging of her death.
Farwell faces serious charges, including the deliberate killing of a witness and wire fraud. If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of life in prison. The case has also prompted a broader investigation into the Explorers program, which has faced scrutiny over past allegations of abuse by law enforcement.
Birchmore’s family is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against the town of Stoughton, seeking justice for what they believe to be a mishandling of the case and the tragic loss of their daughter. The ongoing investigation continues to reveal troubling allegations surrounding the conduct of law enforcement officers in the community.