Former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell has been indicted on charges of killing 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore, with whom he had a sexual relationship since she was underage. The relationship led to Birchmore’s pregnancy in late 2020, and Farwell allegedly killed her in February 2021, staging it as a suicide. Farwell denied involvement even as federal authorities contradicted the initial ruling.
Farwell’s history with Birchmore dates back to when she was 12 and participated in the Stoughton Police Explorers program. Over the years, he allegedly groomed her, engaged in statutory rape, and manipulated her with sexual acts. The relationship culminated in Birchmore’s pregnancy, leading to Farwell’s alleged violent outbursts and denial of paternity.
Evidence shows Farwell’s interactions with Birchmore in the days leading up to her death, including a visit to her apartment on the night she died. Despite appearing to investigators and claiming innocence, Farwell’s actions raise suspicions, especially considering his wife’s pregnancy at the time.
The case has exposed misconduct within the Stoughton Police Department, with Farwell’s twin brother, William Farwell, also implicated in a sexual relationship with Birchmore. The department’s internal affairs investigation found violations of department rules and regulations by the Farwell brothers and their supervisor, Robert Devine.
Birchmore’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Farwell brothers and Devine, alleging a decade-long pattern of grooming and abuse that led to her death. Now, with federal charges against Matthew Farwell, the truth behind Birchmore’s death and the extent of police misconduct in Stoughton are being brought to light.
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