Former Massachusetts Police Officer Charged with Murdering Pregnant Woman and Covering Up the Crime
A former police officer from Massachusetts is facing charges for allegedly killing a pregnant woman who had accused him of sexual abuse and attempting to disguise her death as a suicide.
Sandra Birchmore, 23, passed away in 2021. According to previous reports, the Stoughton, Mass., police department had alleged that three former officers were involved in inappropriate relationships with Birchmore, starting when she was just 15.
Matthew Farwell, 38, one of the accused officers, was indicted by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts on charges related to killing a witness or victim. Farwell was arrested on August 28, as confirmed by the Justice Department.
Prosecutors allege that Farwell killed Birchmore to prevent law enforcement from uncovering his involvement in federal offenses. Initially ruled a suicide, Birchmore's death was re-examined following a federal investigation, which uncovered new evidence implicating Farwell.
According to the indictment, Farwell began a relationship with Birchmore when she was 15, continuing after she reached adulthood. Birchmore became pregnant in December 2020, claiming that Farwell was the father.
At the time of their relationship, Birchmore was involved in the Stoughton Explorers program, which allows youth to explore careers in law enforcement. Farwell was an instructor in this program.
Federal authorities allege that Farwell killed Birchmore in Canton, Mass., on February 1, 2021, shortly after a friend reported their relationship to the Stoughton Police Department.
If convicted, Farwell faces a mandatory sentence of either death or life in prison. Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent pathologist, was hired by Birchmore’s family and disputed the suicide ruling, suggesting she was strangled.
Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara expressed outrage at the injustice, stating, “Every good and decent police officer should be aware of and angry about the injustices inflicted upon Sandra Birchmore. Sandra idolized police officers and what policing stood for in America, and she was victimized as a result.”
As of now, the two other former officers alleged to have been involved with Birchmore are not facing charges.
For support related to sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.