Former Stoughton Police Detective Indicted for the Death of Sandra Birchmore
Ex-Detective Accused of Killing Pregnant Sandra Birchmore
Matthew Farwell, a former detective with the Stoughton Police Department, has been federally indicted for the murder of Sandra Birchmore, a young woman who was reportedly pregnant with his child. According to federal prosecutors, Farwell allegedly strangled Birchmore and staged her apartment to make her death appear as a suicide.
Background: The Tragic Death of Sandra Birchmore
Sandra Birchmore was found dead in her Canton, Massachusetts, apartment in 2021. Initially, her death was ruled a suicide, despite being three months pregnant at the time. However, a federal indictment has now accused Matthew Farwell of murdering her to prevent the disclosure of their illicit relationship.
The Allegations Against Matthew Farwell
Farwell, 38, of North Easton, is alleged to have been in a sexual relationship with Birchmore from when she was just 15 years old until she was 23. After she informed him of her pregnancy, Farwell is accused of killing her to conceal their relationship and his alleged crimes. The indictment also claims that Farwell attempted to delete evidence and mislead investigators.
Statements from Authorities on the Indictment
Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara, Norfolk District Attorney's Office, and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released statements following the indictment. Chief McNamara described the allegations as a "horrific injustice" and emphasized the importance of justice for Birchmore.
Revisiting the Case: Evidence of Homicide
While Birchmore's death was originally ruled a suicide, a pathologist hired by her family concluded that she was murdered. The federal investigation uncovered new evidence, leading to Farwell's indictment on charges of killing a witness or victim and wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a minimum of life in prison.
Farwell’s Arrest and Further Legal Proceedings
Farwell was arrested by an FBI SWAT team in Revere on Wednesday morning. Prosecutors allege that he had instructed Birchmore to delete evidence of their relationship before her death. Post-arrest, authorities revealed that Farwell had researched how to erase data from his phone, further implicating him in the crime.
Impact of the Case: Explorers Program Under Scrutiny
Birchmore met Farwell through the Stoughton Police Explorers Academy, a program for youth interested in law enforcement careers. The case has drawn attention to the Explorers program, with The Marshall Project highlighting numerous allegations of abuse within similar programs over the past 50 years.
Resources for Victims of Sexual Assault
Victims of sexual assault can seek help through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673. Massachusetts also provides a list of statewide resources for survivors.
Legal Actions by Birchmore’s Family
Birchmore's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the town of Stoughton, challenging the original ruling of suicide and demanding accountability for her tragic death. The case underscores the need for justice and transparency in law enforcement-related deaths.
