From The Boston Globe · · 1m 40s
Sandra Birchmore’s Friend Suspected Matthew Farwell
Sandra Birchmore’s friend accused Matthew Farwell of killing her in a federal trial.
In brief
Sandra Birchmore’s friend accused Matthew Farwell of killing her in a federal trial. Matthew Farwell, a Stoughton police detective, is on trial for killing Sandra Birchmore and staging her death as suicide after allegedly grooming her as a minor and lying about his work hours. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Lesley Davis recalls phone call
Lesley Davis remembers a 25-minute phone call with Sandra Birchmore, who was pregnant and had no signs of depression or miscarriage.
Birchmore’s death revealed
Sandra Birchmore died six years after Davis’s call, with Davis reporting Matthew Farwell as the father of her baby.
Davis implicates Farwell
Davis drove to Canton police station with her mother and brother to report Matthew Farwell’s relationship with Birchmore.
State authorities ruled suicide
State officials declared Sandra Birchmore’s death a suicide, and never charged Matthew Farwell despite internal police investigations.
Federal trial begins
Matthew Farwell faces federal charges for killing Sandra Birchmore and staging her death as suicide after allegedly grooming her as a minor.
Farwell’s defense claims
Farwell’s lawyers say Sandra Birchmore hanged herself after he broke off their relationship and as she feared for the viability of the pregnancy.
Internal affairs investigation
Stoughton police found Farwell and two officers engaged in 'lies, deceit, and treachery' with Birchmore.
“lies, deceit, and treachery”
Federal charges explained
Federal prosecutors allege Farwell killed Birchmore to hide past crimes, including grooming her as a minor and lying about his work hours.
Trial progress
The jury has heard testimony from witnesses, digital forensics, and emotional accounts of Birchmore’s relationship with Farwell.
Here's the gist
Matthew Farwell, a Stoughton police detective, is on trial for killing Sandra Birchmore and staging her death as suicide after allegedly grooming her as a minor and lying about his work hours.
