BOSTON (WHDH) – A federal jury on Tuesday found former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell guilty of murdering Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child.
Farwell, 41, of Easton, was convicted of one count of murder of a witness or victim and one count of causing the death of an unborn child.
Farwell was convicted of murdering Birchmore, 23, and staging her death to look like a suicide in February 2021. Her body was found in her Canton apartment in a sitting position with a strap around her neck and tied to a doorknob. Farwell murdered Birchmore to prevent her from reporting federal crimes, including sexual exploitation of a child, and he met her for sex while he was on duty as a police officer. By killing Birchmore, Farwell also caused the death of her unborn baby. Prosecutors alleged that Farwell had been grooming Birchmore for sex since she was 15 and that she was part of the Stoughton police Explorers mentoring program.
Farwell’s defense argued that Birchmore committed suicide.
In 2020, Birchmore learned she was pregnant and she and Farwell believed he was the child’s father. After his death, it was revealed that his father was actually a 37-year-old former US Army recruiter. During his testimony, it was revealed that Farwell became violent with Birchmore when they discussed her pregnancy and the role he would play in the child’s life.
On February 1, 2021, shortly after 9 p.m., Farwell texted Birchmore and asked if he could come by her apartment. Birchmore responded that his door would be open. Surveillance video shown during the trial captured Farwell entering Birchmore’s apartment that night around 9:14 p.m. and leaving at 9:43 p.m. Forensic experts testified that the last recorded movement of Birchmore’s phone occurred at 9:40 p.m. and that Farwell was inside his apartment building at that time.
Birchmore’s death was initially ruled a suicide by state authorities, but Farwell was arrested and charged in connection with her death in August 2024 after several witnesses contacted federal authorities to provide information about her death.
The jury deliberated for about 16 hours over three days and at one point said it was deadlocked, telling the judge it “wasn’t close” to a verdict. However, they continued their deliberations on Tuesday under the direction of the judge and were able to reach a verdict.
Supporters of Sandra Birchmore were seen holding back tears as the guilty verdict was read, hugging each other and celebrating. The judge thanked the jurors for their work and Matthew Farwell had “no notable reaction” to the verdict, according to 7’s Dan Hausle, who was present in court when the verdict was read.
After the verdict, Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara, who is currently on leave, said in a statement: “Starting today, a convicted killer is being held accountable and justice is being served. However, today is not about the accused. Most of us will fade into the annals of history, but after today, Sandra Birchmore will never be forgotten.
This is what today is about. Today, it’s not just about a verdict. Today it’s about Sandra. Today, a federal jury confirmed what became apparent to me some time ago: that Sandra was murdered and that her killer was a police officer who took advantage of her trust and faith in the badge and uniform.
There are those who wanted to forget Sandra Birchmore. But enough people wouldn’t stay silent. Enough people have spoken up. Enough people have asked questions. And rest assured that there are still more unanswered questions than answers, even after today.
I am grateful to the judge and jury for their service and to the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office for their hard work and diligence in this case.
Over the past five years, I have worked my entire life to ensure justice is served. Sandra Birchmore received no justice during her life. Today, justice has been served.
— Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara delivers guilty verdict —
The charge of murder of a witness carries a mandatory sentence of death or life in prison, and the charge of causing the death of an unborn child carries a sentence of at least life in prison, according to U.S. Attorney Leah Foley’s office.
Farwell is scheduled to be sentenced on February 3, 2027.
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