Matthew Farwell murder trial begins for former Massachusetts officer

The murder trial of Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton, Massachusetts, police officer, has commenced in federal court. Farwell is accused of killing 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child in 2021, then staging the scene to appear as a suicide.

Prosecutors allege that Farwell had been in a sexual relationship with Birchmore since she was 15 years old. They claim he killed her by strangulation after she disclosed her pregnancy, motivated by a desire to prevent her from exposing their relationship. The prosecution intends to present evidence, including photos of Farwell entering Birchmore’s apartment wearing a mask and hood.

In contrast, the defense maintains that Birchmore committed suicide. Defense attorneys pointed to Birchmore’s history of suicidal thoughts and text messages sent the day of her death expressing stress and physical discomfort. A jury of 10 men and 6 women has been seated to hear the case.