The federal trial of former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell resumes Friday as investigators continue to testify regarding the death of Sandra Birchmore. Farwell is accused of killing the 23-year-old pregnant woman and staging her death to look like a suicide in her Canton apartment in 2021.

What did the internal investigation find?

Brian Holmes, the current Kingston police chief, is providing testimony after previously leading an internal affairs investigation in Stoughton. During that probe, Holmes found that Farwell and other officers engaged in "lies, deceit, and treachery" related to the case.

According to Holmes, the investigation revealed that Farwell had exploited Birchmore from a young age. Birchmore had originally participated in the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorers youth program as a teenager. Holmes testified that Farwell used his position as an officer to abuse and groom her.

Details of the murder allegations

Prosecutors allege that Farwell strangled Birchmore to prevent her from revealing his past misconduct. While Birchmore believed Farwell was the father of her unborn child, DNA testing later proved he was not. Key details presented in court include:

  • Security footage showing Birchmore entering her building for the last time.
  • Video of Farwell in the building wearing a face mask, which a witness noted was unusual for him.
  • A broken necklace found at the scene that was not on the victim's body.

The defense's position

Farwell has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His legal team argues that Birchmore had a history of mental illness and that she died by hanging herself after Farwell ended their relationship.

While the state medical examiner initially ruled the death a suicide, an independent examiner later determined the injuries were consistent with strangulation. This finding allowed federal authorities to take jurisdiction and pursue homicide charges.

FAQ

Who is testifying next?

Jurors are expected to hear testimony from FBI agents following the conclusion of Holmes's testimony.

Was there an initial investigation?

Yes, State Police Detective Matthew Dunne testified that the initial investigation found no suspicion of foul play during the first look at the scene.