Former Police Officer Accused of Murduring and Staging the Death of a Pregnant Woman Who Accused Him of Sexual Abuse

Former Police Officer Accused of Killing Pregnant Woman Who Accused Him of Sexual Abuse, Staging Her Death as Suicide

Matthew Farwell, a former police officer from Stoughton, Massachusetts, has been charged with the 2021 murder of Sandra Birchmore, a 23-year-old pregnant woman who had accused him of sexual abuse. Prosecutors allege Farwell staged her death to appear as a suicide.


Birchmore's death, originally ruled a suicide, is now at the center of a federal investigation. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts announced that Farwell, 38, was indicted and arrested on August 28, 2024, for killing a witness or victim to prevent law enforcement from uncovering his crimes. Farwell’s plea status remains unclear.


The Stoughton Police Department had previously investigated allegations that three officers had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore, which allegedly began when she was 15. Farwell is accused of starting a relationship with her when she was in the Stoughton Explorers program, which provides youth with opportunities to explore law enforcement careers. Farwell was an instructor in the program.


Prosecutors claim Birchmore became pregnant in December 2020, and she identified Farwell as the father. On February 1, 2021, nearly two weeks after a friend of Birchmore’s reported the relationship to the Stoughton Police Department, authorities allege that Farwell killed her in Canton, Massachusetts.


If convicted, Farwell faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.


Birchmore's family hired Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent pathologist and former chief medical examiner for New York City, to investigate her cause of death. In June, Baden disputed the original suicide ruling, stating that she had been strangled.



Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara expressed outrage over the case, stating that Birchmore had been victimized by officers she admired. So far, no charges have been brought against the two other officers allegedly involved.



If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.


**Additional Details on the Case of Sandra Birchmore's Death**


Sandra Birchmore's case has drawn significant public attention due to the disturbing allegations involving multiple police officers. At the center of the investigation is Matthew Farwell, a former officer with the Stoughton Police Department, who allegedly maintained an inappropriate and abusive relationship with Birchmore for years, beginning when she was just 15.


Farwell, who worked closely with Birchmore through the Stoughton Explorers program, is accused of exploiting his position of authority. The relationship, according to prosecutors, continued into Birchmore's adulthood, culminating in her pregnancy in December 2020. Birchmore reportedly believed that Farwell was the father of her unborn child.


On January 19, 2021, nearly two weeks before her death, a friend of Birchmore contacted the Stoughton Police Department, alerting them to the relationship between Birchmore and Farwell. Less than two weeks later, on February 1, 2021, Birchmore was found dead in what authorities initially ruled a suicide.


However, federal authorities reopened the investigation into her death, leading to a reexamination of evidence and the eventual charge against Farwell. New evidence suggests that Farwell allegedly murdered Birchmore to prevent her from exposing his crimes, including possible federal offenses. The charge against him—killing a witness or victim—indicates that Farwell's actions were premeditated, aimed at silencing Birchmore and covering up years of alleged abuse.



In June 2024, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, hired by Birchmore's family, challenged the suicide ruling, concluding that she had been strangled. His findings played a critical role in spurring further investigations, ultimately leading to the charges against Farwell.


Although Farwell is the only officer facing charges so far, the two other officers from the Stoughton Police Department who allegedly engaged in inappropriate relationships with Birchmore remain under scrutiny. Their involvement in the case raises serious questions about the broader culture within the department and the failure to protect a vulnerable young woman from exploitation.


Public outcry has grown, especially after statements from Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara, who condemned the officers' actions and called for accountability. In her statement, McNamara expressed deep regret, acknowledging that Birchmore, who had admired police officers and sought a career in law enforcement, was betrayed by those she trusted.

The federal investigation into Birchmore's death continues, with more potential developments expected as new evidence is reviewed.


This tragic case underscores the need for thorough oversight and accountability within law enforcement, as well as the importance of protecting victims who come forward with allegations of abuse.