Twisted Update in Sandra Birchmore Murder: Ex-Cop She Had Sex With Charged

Boston’s SWAT team arrested former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell on Wednesday, charging him with the murder of 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore.

Authorities found Birchmore, who claimed Farwell was the father of her unborn child, dead in her Canton apartment on February 1, 2021.

The indictment alleges Farwell, now 38, strangled Birchmore and staged the scene to look like a suicide. Initially, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide, finding no evidence of foul play.

Federal prosecutors have charged Farwell, who lives in North Easton, with murdering Birchmore to silence her. Farwell made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston Wednesday afternoon. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including a possible death sentence.

“This case represents our commitment to ensuring that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law,” U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said on Wednesday. “The principles of justice and accountability are paramount. It is disheartening to charge law enforcement officers with crimes this serious, but it is our job at the Department of Justice to investigate potential crimes without fear or favor.”

Investigators immediately began examining Birchmore’s death, conducting a rigorous internal affairs inquiry and collaborating with other agencies, including the FBI.

Stoughton Police Department officials have expressed deep concern about her death.

“The alleged murder of Sandra is a horrific injustice,” said Police Chief Donna McNamara. “The allegations against the suspect represent the worst act of professional misconduct and human indecency I have observed in nearly three decades of law enforcement.”

What Happened to Sandra Birchmore?

Farwell, along with his twin brother William Farwell and former deputy chief Richard Devine, began grooming Birchmore when she was just 12 years old. This occurred during her participation in the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorers program, the U.S. attorney said during a press conference.

The program is a youth outreach initiative aimed at providing young people with a better understanding of law enforcement. It involves educational activities, hands-on experiences and mentorship, allowing participants to learn about police work, develop leadership skills and engage with the community.

By age 15, Farwell, then a 27-year-old officer, had initiated a sexual relationship with her continuing for years.

The situation escalated in late 2020 and early 2021 when Birchmore discovered she was pregnant and informed Farwell, who responded with anger and violence, according to the U.S attorney.

All three officers resigned before they were interviewed as part of the investigation in 2021.

“Mr. Farwell started to lose his patience, lose his temper, and the 6-foot, 4-inch Mr. Farwell became physically violent with 4-foot, 10-inch Sandra Birchmore,” the U.S. attorney said.

‘Justice Be Served in Her Death’

McNamara emphasized the importance of delivering justice for Birchmore.

“It has been my life’s work over these past three years to ensure that justice was served. Sandra received no justice during her life. It is imperative that justice be served in her death, and today’s actions bring us one step closer.”

A spokesman for Norfolk County District Attorney David Traub told Newsweek they are keeping the Birchmore investigation open and active.

“That work has included collaboration with local police, the Attorney General of the Commonwealth, and the FBI,” Traub said. “Two State Police officers assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office were at the command post for the operation when the apprehension was made in Revere. We look forward to supporting and assisting Federal authorities as they pursue this prosecution.”

The U.S. attorney said, although Farwell is charged, he still must go to trial and appear before a jury.

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