# Matthew Farwell trial opening statements reveal prosecution and defense strategies

> Prosecution and defense in Matthew Farwell trial use text messages to frame case for jury.
- Title: Matthew Farwell trial opening statements reveal prosecution…
- Summary: Prosecution and defense in Matthew Farwell trial use text messages to frame case for jury. Matthew Farwell, former Stoughton police detective, faces trial…
- Keywords: matthew farwell, sandra birchmore, stoughton police, prosecution, defense, text messages, trial, news, local, Matthew, Farwell, opening
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/09/metro/matthew-farwell-trial-opening-statements
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: matthew farwell, sandra birchmore, stoughton police, prosecution, defense, text messages, trial, news, local
## Opening statements set stage
Prosecution and defense delivered opening statements Friday in Matthew Farwell trial.
## Prosecution uses text messages chronologically
Prosecution focused on text messages to show chronological pattern of abuse and murder.
## Prosecution emphasizes abuse and murder
Prosecution repeatedly used words like 'rape' and 'abuse' to describe Farwell's crimes.
## Defense claims Farwell did not kill Birchmore
Defense says Birchmore killed herself after Farwell broke up with her and denied paternity.

> regrettable
## Trial outcome to be determined
Jury will decide if Farwell killed Sandra Birchmore after years of abuse.
## Key takeaway

Matthew Farwell, former Stoughton police detective, faces trial for killing Sandra Birchmore after years of sexual abuse and staging her death as suicide.