Former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, 39, has been indicted for causing the death of his unborn child. He is also accused of murdering Sandra Birchmore to prevent her from revealing that he had sexually exploited her when she was underage. This new charge adds to a case that has captured community attention since his arrest in August 2024, according to the U.S Attorney's Office.
Details from the superseding indictment obtained by the U.S Attorney's Office paint a grim picture, alleging Farwell strangled Birchmore on or about Feb. 1, 2021, staging the scene to mirror a suicide; the narrative of malice and manipulation unfolds, a tale where Farwell, carrying the badge of a Stoughton police officer alleged to have groomed and sexually abused Birchmore, starting when she was just 15 years old and weaving through the timeline until her untimely death, heightening the sense of moral outrage.
As the investigation progressed, details emerged suggesting Birchmore feared public exposure of their relationship, leading her to demand Farwell impregnate her in 2020. Despite grave concerns and hostile exchanges, including Farwell's harsh remarks that Birchmore was "the worst person on the face of the earth," she maintained an air of optimism about her pregnancy, evidenced by planned prenatal care, purchased baby items, and envisaged celebrations of impending motherhood, as noted by the U.S Attorney's Office.
Farwell has been charged under 18 U.S.C. §1841, which could carry a life sentence if he is convicted, according to federal authorities, including U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Special Agent Ted E. Docks. Despite these serious charges, Farwell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, as per the U.S. Attorey's Office.
