Former Police Officer Charged with Murdering Pregnant Woman to Conceal Sexual Crimes

BOSTON – Matthew Farwell, a former police officer from Stoughton, Massachusetts, was indicted in federal court for the alleged murder of Sandra Birchmore, a young woman he reportedly had a sexual relationship with since she was a minor.

According to federal authorities, Farwell, 38, is accused of killing Birchmore on February 1, 2021, by strangling her. It is claimed that he then staged her apartment to make her death appear as a suicide, intending to hide his criminal actions.

The indictment details that Farwell began exploiting Birchmore when she joined the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorer Program at the age of 12. The sexual relationship allegedly continued until her death, occurring when she was 23 years old.

Following a revelation of Birchmore’s pregnancy in December 2020, she informed Farwell that he was the father. Reports indicate that upon learning this, Farwell exhibited violent behavior towards her, which included threatening statements during discussions about the child’s future.

The circumstances surrounding Birchmore’s death, initially ruled a suicide, prompted further investigation after her family hired an independent pathologist who asserted that she was murdered. This led to the federal investigation that uncovered critical new evidence against Farwell.

Farwell faces serious charges, including one count of killing a witness or victim, which carries a potential life sentence if convicted. The U.S. Attorney’s Office affirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for Birchmore and her family.