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“Officer Accused of Abusing Pregnant Woman Now Charged with Her Death and Cover-Up’
Former Massachusetts Officer Charged with Murder
Matthew Farwell, a former Massachusetts police officer, has been charged with the murder of Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant woman who had accused him of sexual abuse. Farwell is also accused of staging Birchmore’s death to look like a suicide.
Background and Investigation
Sandra Birchmore, 23, died in 2021. It was previously reported that the Stoughton, Massachusetts police department had alleged inappropriate relationships between three former officers and Birchmore, beginning when she was 15 years old.
Indictment and Arrest
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts announced an indictment against Farwell, 38, for killing a witness or victim. Farwell was arrested on Wednesday, August 28, according to the Justice Department. It is currently unclear whether Farwell has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
Allegations and Evidence
Prosecutors claim that Farwell killed Birchmore to prevent law enforcement from discovering evidence of his own criminal activities. Initially ruled a suicide, Birchmore’s death was reexamined after a federal investigation revealed new evidence, leading to Farwell’s indictment.
Prosecutors allege that Farwell began a relationship with Birchmore when she was 15. The relationship continued into her adulthood, and Birchmore became pregnant in December 2020 with a child she claimed was Farwell’s.
Connection to Law Enforcement Program
At the time the relationship began, Birchmore was involved in Stoughton’s Explorers program, which offers young people a chance to explore careers in law enforcement. Farwell, a Stoughton police officer at the time, was an instructor in the program.
Accusations of Murder
Federal authorities accuse Farwell of killing Birchmore in Canton, Massachusetts, on February 1, 2021, shortly after a friend of Birchmore reported the relationship to the Stoughton Police Department. Farwell faces a mandatory sentence of either death or life in prison if convicted.
Expert Review and Community Reaction
Dr. Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner for New York City, was hired by Birchmore’s family to review the case. Baden disputed the original suicide ruling, asserting that Birchmore had been strangled to death.
In response to the case, Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara commented, “Every good and decent police officer should be aware of and angered by the injustices inflicted upon Sandra Birchmore. Sandra idolized police officers and the ideals of policing in America, and she was victimized as a result.”
Other Officers’ Status
As of now, neither of the other two former Stoughton officers alleged to have had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore are facing any charges.
In short:
- Matthew Farwell Charged: Former Massachusetts police officer Matthew Farwell has been charged with the murder of Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant woman who had accused him of sexual abuse. He is also accused of staging her death to appear as a suicide.
- Background and Allegations: Sandra Birchmore, 23, died in 2021. The Stoughton Police Department had previously alleged that three former officers, including Farwell, had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore starting when she was 15 years old.
- Indictment and Investigation: Farwell, 38, was indicted on August 28, 2024, for killing a witness or victim. Prosecutors allege he killed Birchmore to prevent law enforcement from discovering evidence of his own criminal activities. The death, initially ruled a suicide, was reevaluated following a federal investigation that uncovered new evidence.
- Details of the Relationship: Farwell allegedly began a relationship with Birchmore when she was 15, which continued into her adulthood. Birchmore became pregnant in December 2020 with a child she claimed was Farwell’s. Farwell was an instructor in Stoughton’s Explorers program, where Birchmore was involved.
- Expert Opinion and Community Reaction: Dr. Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner for New York City, reviewed the case and disputed the suicide ruling, claiming Birchmore had been strangled. Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara condemned the injustices suffered by Birchmore, emphasizing that she had idolized police officers. As of now, the other two former officers alleged to have inappropriate relationships with Birchmore face no charges.
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