What to Know:
- Stoughton’s police chief, a spokesman for the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office released statements on the new allegations
- Sandra Birchmore was found dead at her apartment in Canton, Massachusetts, in 2021. She was three months pregnant; her death was ruled a suicide.
- Matthew Farwell, one of three former Stoughton police officers who’ve been accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with Birchmore, has now been accused in federal court of killing Birchmore and making her death look like a suicide.
A former Stoughton, Massachusetts police detective has been indicted in a shocking case involving the death of Sandra Birchmore. Matthew Farwell, a 38-year-old from North Easton, faces federal charges for the alleged murder of Birchmore, who was reportedly pregnant with his child at the time of her death. The indictment reveals disturbing allegations, including a sexual relationship spanning years and an attempt to cover up the crime.
Ex-Stoughton Police Detective Indicted: The Allegations
Federal prosecutors accuse Farwell of killing Birchmore to prevent her from exposing their relationship and his alleged criminal activities. Birchmore, who was three months pregnant, was found dead in her Canton apartment in 2021. Initially ruled a suicide, further investigation revealed signs of foul play. A pathologist hired by Birchmore’s family contested the original ruling, leading to a renewed federal probe that uncovered crucial evidence.
Ex-Stoughton Police Detective Indicted: The Investigation
The case, which began as a local investigation, gained federal attention about a year ago. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy has described the indictment as a result of intensive scrutiny and critical new findings. Farwell’s arrest was made by an FBI SWAT team in Revere, Massachusetts, early Wednesday morning. The investigation reexamined old evidence and incorporated new details, ultimately leading to Farwell’s indictment.
Ex-Stoughton Police Detective Indicted: The Charges
Farwell faces charges for killing a witness or victim and wire fraud. The indictment accuses him of strangling Birchmore and staging her apartment to appear as if she had committed suicide. The prosecution asserts that Farwell acted with premeditation and malice to prevent Birchmore from revealing their relationship and his potential crimes. If convicted, Farwell could face a minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
Ex-Stoughton Police Detective Indicted: The Community Reaction
The Stoughton Police Department, along with the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, have expressed their condemnation of Farwell’s alleged actions. Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara described the charges as a “horrific injustice,” while District Attorney Michael Morrissey’s office pledged support for the federal prosecution. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell condemned Farwell’s actions as “malicious, predatory, and horrific.”
Ex-Stoughton Police Detective Indicted: The Impact on Birchmore’s Family
Birchmore’s family has been deeply affected by the case. They initially suspected foul play, and their efforts to seek justice have led to this pivotal moment. The FBI’s Stephen Kelleher emphasized that Farwell’s role as a police officer did not grant him immunity from the law. Farwell’s actions, including instructing Birchmore to delete evidence and attempting to erase data from his own phone, demonstrate his attempt to obstruct justice.
Ex-Stoughton Police Detective Indicted: What Comes Next
As the case progresses, federal authorities will collaborate with the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office and other state agencies to determine if additional charges will be filed. The indictment marks a significant development in a case that has stirred outrage and concern in the community. The legal process will now address the grave allegations and seek justice for Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child.
The indictment of the Ex-Stoughton Police Detective underscores a commitment to accountability, even in the face of deeply unsettling accusations. The legal and investigative efforts will continue as the case moves forward, aiming to ensure that justice is served and the truth about this tragic event is fully revealed.