A former Stoughton, Massachusetts, police detective has been federally indicted in the death of Sandra Birchmore, accused of killing her and then staging her apartment to make it appear she had committed suicide. The recent Stoughton detective indictment has shocked the community, bringing the death of Sandra Birchmore back into the spotlight. #StoughtonDetectiveIndictment
Matthew Farwell is accused of having a sexual relationship with Birchmore for several years, including before she was 16 years old, and then killing her sometime after she told him she was pregnant with his child. Federal prosecutors say he did so to prevent her from revealing their relationship and his alleged crimes tied to it.
Stoughton police and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office released statements on the indictment soon after its release Wednesday — Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara called the allegations “a horrific injustice,” while a spokesman for District Attorney Michael Morrissey said the office looks “forward to supporting and assisting Federal authorities as they pursue this prosecution.” Read their full statements below.
Birchmore, three months pregnant, was found dead in her Canton apartment in 2021. Initially ruled a suicide, her family hired a pathologist. The pathologist determined her death was actually a homicide.
Court documents reveal that Birchmore became pregnant in 2020 and told Farwell he was the father. In January 2021, a friend reported to the Stoughton Police that Farwell had been sexually involved with Birchmore. The report led to an investigation into the allegations. #StoughtonDetectiveIndictment
Moreover, this indictment raises questions about the integrity of police procedures. The Stoughton detective indictment could lead to broader reforms if the allegations prove true.
read more
