A federal indictment unsealed in Boston on Wednesday accuses a former Massachusetts police officer of killing a pregnant 23-year-old woman and staging her death as a suicide. Matthew Farwell, previously with the Stoughton Police Department, allegedly strangled Sandra Birchmore in February 2021 after she informed him of her pregnancy. The indictment claims Farwell arranged her apartment to suggest suicide.
Farwell faces one count of killing a witness or victim, as determined by a federal grand jury. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy stated that Birchmore endured years of grooming, statutory rape, and sexual violence from Farwell, who served as an officer and detective during their relationship. When Farwell realised he could no longer control Birchmore, he allegedly silenced her permanently.
Authorities arrested Farwell, 38, on Wednesday morning at a shopping centre. He is set to appear in federal court in Boston on Wednesday afternoon. Attempts to reach Farwell’s attorney for comment were made.
#MatthewFarwell | #SandraBirchmore #Breaking: Matthew Farwell pleaded not guilty in federal court today and was held without bail. A detention hearing is set for Sept. 10. The decision on whether to seek the death penalty in this case is still under consideration by the… pic.twitter.com/gTm0xRI846
— 𝕏 🕵🏻♀️🦋L̤̮E̤̮G̤̮🅰️C̤̮Y̤̮🦋🕵🏻♀️ 𝕏 (@iamlegacy23) August 29, 2024
Prosecutors assert that Farwell began grooming Birchmore after she joined a youth programme at the Stoughton Police Department, where he was an instructor. The indictment states their sexual relationship started when Farwell was 27 and Birchmore was 15. Farwell allegedly had sex with Birchmore while on duty and misrepresented his working hours to hide the activity.
Their affair continued until Birchmore’s death on 1 February 2021. She was found dead in her Canton apartment on 4 February 2021. Prosecutors allege that Birchmore communicated her desire for a child in October 2020, leading the two to agree that Farwell would impregnate her in exchange for her silence about his criminal conduct and extramarital affair.
When Birchmore told Farwell in December 2020 that she was pregnant and needed more involvement from him, he reportedly became angry and felt he was losing control. Concerns grew as word began spreading about their relationship.
“You really think the #McAlberts and #KarenRead investigators would risk their reputations and LE career to cover up a murder?” Yes. Yes I do. You can’t use that excuse or deflection any longer. #JusticeForSandraBirchmore #MatthewFarwell #JusticeForOfficerJohnOkeefe #FKR pic.twitter.com/mUNGIyFNbO
— Kerri (@KerriTrueCrime) August 28, 2024
Less than two weeks before her death, a friend contacted the Stoughton Police Department, revealing Birchmore’s relationship with Farwell. Upon hearing about the call, Farwell allegedly became visibly angry and increasingly violent, according to prosecutors. Birchmore disclosed to friends that Farwell had been physically abusive.
In one reported instance, Farwell held a pregnant Birchmore in a headlock, expressing a wish for her death. On 1 February 2021, prosecutors claim Farwell went to Birchmore’s apartment, strangled her with a duffle bag strap, and staged her death to look like suicide using his law enforcement knowledge.
Farwell allegedly lied to detectives about the nature of their relationship, claiming it began in 2020, despite messages indicating it started in 2013. He also reportedly lied about the last time they had sex to avoid suspicion regarding the unborn child’s paternity.
Before her death, Farwell allegedly instructed Birchmore to delete evidence of their relationship. Levy stated that Farwell attempted to cover his tracks to get away with murder, but new information led to the indictment.
Initially, state officials ruled Birchmore’s death a suicide. However, over the past year, federal investigators uncovered new information, leading to the indictment. Investigators reviewed text messages, emails, financial records, conducted interviews, and analysed the crime scene. Evidence contradicted suicide, including Birchmore’s plans for a newborn photo shoot and baby clothes in the hours before her death.
If convicted, Farwell faces a minimum life sentence and possibly the death penalty. The DOJ has not yet decided on seeking the death penalty. Information is being shared with local and state authorities to determine if state charges are warranted.
Farwell served with the Stoughton Police Department from 27 March 2012 to 1 April 2022. Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara supported the FBI’s investigation, labelling the alleged murder a horrific injustice and the worst act of professional misconduct she has observed in her career.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News reports that former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell is accused of strangling Sandra Birchmore to death in 2021, allegedly staging her death to look like a suicide.(read more)
- Yahoo News reports that a former Massachusetts police officer pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering a woman he allegedly sexually exploited when she was a minor.(read more)
- Former police officer accused of killing pregnant girlfriend and staging death as suicide, Matthew Farwell, a former Massachusetts police officer, pleaded not guilty to charges of killing Sandra Birchmore, who was 23 years old and pregnant with his child, to prevent authorities from discovering his sexual offenses.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Matthew Farwell?
Matthew Farwell is a former Stoughton police officer accused of killing Sandra Birchmore.
What is Farwell accused of?
Farwell is accused of killing Sandra Birchmore and staging her death as a suicide.
Who was Sandra Birchmore?
Sandra Birchmore was a 23-year-old pregnant woman allegedly exploited and killed by Farwell.
What led to the indictment of Farwell?
Federal investigators uncovered new evidence and inconsistencies suggesting Birchmore’s death was not a suicide.
What are the potential penalties for Farwell if convicted?
Farwell faces a minimum sentence of life in prison and possibly the death penalty.