A prosecution expert delivered dramatic testimony in the Matthew Farwell trial, telling jurors that Sandra Birchmore died from asphyxia related to strangulation and that her manner of death was homicide.
Forensic doctor William Smock testified that he believes the scene inside Birchmore’s Canton apartment had been altered and that she was killed before a ligature was tied around the closet door. He pointed to injuries involving her hyoid bone and a mark on her chest as evidence supporting his conclusions.
Matthew Farwell, a forensic doctor,
told jurors today Sandra Birchmore was killed.
The doctor testified as an expert for the prosecution.
Boston 25 News reporter Ryan Breslin, live at the federal courthouse,
where jurors Ryan also heard damaging testimony
from the twin brother of Matthew Farwell.
Carrie, that's right,
this forensic expert coming to a different opinion
of the cause of death of Sandra Birchmore than
the medical examiner originally did.
He says that Birchmore was the victim of a homicidal act.
Dr. William Smock says Sandra Birchmore's cause of death is asphyxial
related to strangulation and her manner of death is homicide.
Birchmore was found dead in her Canton apartment, seated
on the ground with a duffel bag strapped ligature around her neck,
attached to her bedroom closet door.
Dr. Smock coming to the conclusion that, quote,
this is an altered crime scene
and that she was killed before the ligature was tied around the door.
Part of Smock's testimony focusing on a bone we all have in our neck.
It's called a hyoid bone and is horseshoe-shaped.
Smock says Birchmore's hyoid bone was fractured inward,
and that fracture was on the right side,
yet her neck was tilted to the left.
He says this is not consistent with a partial hanging,
but, quote, this is consistent
with a strangulation where the bone is squeezed inward.
Birchmore was also found with a red imprint on her right upper chest.
Smock says that mark was made by a clasp
on the ligature strap pressing on her,
but the clasp was tied around the doorknob when she was found.
It tells him the injury occurred before it was tied up.
Meanwhile, jurors also heard
from Matthew Farwell's twin brother, William, Tuesday.
William had a sexual relationship with Sandra Birchmore as well.
He says Birchmore confided in him
that she had sex with Matthew Farwell at 15,
but he says he didn't believe
her and didn't think his brother was that dumb.
William Farwell also telling jurors that after Birchmore died,
Norfolk CPAC with state police contacted him to meet.
During that meeting in his truck
with Sergeant John Fanning and Trooper Matthew Dunn,
William Farwell said he was told he wasn't a suspect.
Quote, he told me that he needed to talk about Sandra Birchmore
and to not lie to him because he had everything.
He alleges Sergeant Fanning said, quote,
I need this like I need a blanking bullet in the head.
William Farwell also telling jurors, quote, he said we're getting
a lot of calls and we need to get this closed out.
After, William says Matthew Farwell told him he wiped his cell phones
and informed William the investigation was wrapping up,
but that there could have been serious charges.
William saying, quote, he said there could have been criminal charges,
but it's not a victimless crime.
Now, at one point, William Farwell says that he wanted
to end his sexual relationship with Sandra Birchmore,
but he felt trapped, trapped rather.
So he continued Farwell testifying under a grant of immunity.
He admitted to having sex with Sandra Birchmore
while on duty as a Stoughton police officer.
And in his patrol car, he said that he was concerned
that he would be charged with that criminal conduct.
That's why he wanted that immunity.
For now, we're live in Boston.
Ryan Breslin for your local station, Boston 25 News.
All right, Ryan.
