Twisted update on Sandra Birchmore's murder: Accused ex-police officer she had sex with

The Boston SWAT team arrested former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell on Wednesday and charged 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 that Farwell, now 38, strangled Birchmore and staged the crime scene to make it look like a suicide. The medical examiner's office initially ruled her death a suicide because there was 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 on Wednesday afternoon. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including the possible death penalty.

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

Investigators immediately began investigating Birchmore's death, conducting a thorough internal investigation and working with other agencies, including the FBI.

Stoughton police officials expressed deep concern over 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 that I have witnessed in nearly three decades in law enforcement.”

What happened to Sandra Birchmore?

Farwell, along with his twin brother William Farwell and former Deputy Police Chief Richard Devine, began training Birchmore when she was just 12 years old while she was participating in the Stoughton Police Department's Explorers program, the U.S. attorney said during a news conference.

The program is a youth initiative designed to give young people a better understanding of law enforcement. It includes educational activities, hands-on experiences and mentoring so participants can learn about policing, develop leadership skills and engage in the community.

At age 15, Farwell, then a 27-year-old police officer, began a sexual relationship with her that lasted for years.

The situation escalated in late 2020 and early 2021 when Birchmore learned of her pregnancy and informed Farwell, who, according to the U.S. Attorney, reacted with anger and violence.

All three officials resigned before being interviewed as part of the investigation in 2021.

“Mr. Farwell began to lose patience, lose his composure, and the 6-foot-4-inch Mr. Farwell became physically violent toward the 4-foot-6-inch Sandra Birchmore,” the U.S. attorney said.

“Their death should bring justice”

McNamara stressed the importance of getting justice for Birchmore.

“My life's work over the last three years has been to ensure that justice is done. Sandra did not receive justice during her lifetime. It is imperative that justice is done in her death and today's actions bring us one step closer to that goal.”

A spokesman for Norfolk County District Attorney David Traub said Newsweek They keep the Birchmore investigation open and active.

“This work involved working with local police, the Commonwealth Attorney General and the FBI,” Traub said. “Two state police officers assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office were at the operation command post when the arrest was made in Revere. We look forward to assisting and supporting federal authorities in the pursuit of these charges.”

The U.S. Attorney said that although Farwell has been charged, he must still appear in court and serve on a jury.

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