Matthew Farwell, a former Massachusetts police officer, is facing a murder trial over the 2021 death of Sandra Birchmore, whose death was initially classified as a suicide. Prosecutors allege Farwell strangled Birchmore after learning she was pregnant and staged the scene to conceal the killing. The trial began after jury selection earlier in the week, with opening statements and testimony expected to follow a brief Friday hearing.
Birchmore was 23 when she died in Stoughton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. Prosecutors say Farwell had groomed and sexually exploited her after meeting her through a police explorers program, where she became involved at age 12.
| 1) | Trial begins after jury selection |
| 2) | Prosecutors outline the alleged killing |
| 3) | Pregnancy and disputed paternity evidence |
| 4) | Relationship began through police program |
| 5) | Investigations led to criminal charges |
Trial begins after jury selection
The trial opened following a brief 9 a.m. hearing on Friday. Once jurors were seated, both sides were expected to deliver opening statements. Early testimony was scheduled from Heather Cheever, a Stoughton detective, and a local elementary school official. Jury selection had taken place earlier in the week.
Farwell, 40, has pleaded not guilty and has remained jailed since his arrest in August 2024. The proceedings are focused on whether he killed Birchmore and then arranged the circumstances to make her death appear self-inflicted.
Prosecutors outline the alleged killing
Prosecutors allege Farwell strangled Birchmore on February 1, 2021, after learning she was pregnant. They contend he staged the death scene as a suicide, which led authorities to initially classify the case that way. The allegations say he acted to stop Birchmore from speaking publicly about their relationship and her pregnancy.
According to prosecutors, Farwell maintained a sexual relationship with Birchmore for years and sometimes had sex with her while he was on duty. They allege the relationship began after he used his position in the police explorers program to groom her as a teenager.
Prosecutors allege that Birchmore told Farwell she was “keeping” the baby and that he responded by calling her “the worst person on the face of the earth.”
Pregnancy and disputed paternity evidence
Birchmore was estimated to be between eight and 10 weeks pregnant when she died, about two weeks before Valentine’s Day. Prosecutors say she had planned to announce the pregnancy publicly around that time. They also say she was excited about the pregnancy and shared information with Farwell about her expected due date, ultrasounds, medical appointments and a planned gender reveal.
DNA testing excluded Farwell as the father of the unborn child, according to agreements by the lawyers. Prosecutors nevertheless argue that Farwell believed he was the father. They point to text exchanges between the two from December 28, 2020, through February 1, 2021, the day Birchmore died.
Relationship began through police program
Court documents say Birchmore joined the police department’s explorers program when she was 12. Farwell volunteered with the program and was 27 when prosecutors allege he began grooming, exploiting and abusing her after she turned 15.
The alleged relationship continued into Birchmore’s adulthood. Prosecutors say the connection between the former officer and Birchmore is central to the case because it provides the context for the alleged killing, the pregnancy and the decision to stage the death as a suicide.
Investigations led to criminal charges
Birchmore’s death was initially treated as a suicide. The case later drew scrutiny through internal affairs and FBI investigations. Farwell was arrested in August 2024 and charged in connection with Birchmore’s death.
The trial will determine whether the prosecution can prove its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Farwell’s not-guilty plea means the accusations remain unproven unless established in court.
| 1 | Farwell is accused of killing Birchmore on February 1, 2021. |
| 2 | Prosecutors say the death scene was staged to look like a suicide. |
| 3 | DNA testing excluded Farwell as the unborn child’s father. |
| 4 | Farwell has pleaded not guilty and has been jailed since August 2024. |
Summary
The case centers on the death of Sandra Birchmore, the alleged long-term exploitation of her by a former police officer, and prosecutors’ claim that her pregnancy provided a motive for murder. The defense has pleaded Farwell not guilty, while the court will now hear testimony and evidence concerning the death scene, their communications and the subsequent investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is on trial?
Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer, is on trial in connection with the death of Sandra Birchmore.
When did Birchmore die?
Birchmore died on February 1, 2021, in Stoughton, Massachusetts.
What do prosecutors allege?
Prosecutors allege that Farwell strangled Birchmore after learning she was pregnant and staged the scene to make her death appear to be a suicide. Farwell has pleaded not guilty.