Defense rests in Matthew Farwell murder trial

Now to the latest in the trial of Matthew Farwell. The defense for the former Stoughton police officer accused of murdering Sandra Birchmore rested their case yesterday. And 22 News reporter Nick Antonakis joins us live in studio now with a recap of the final witness testimony. Kaylee Julia, the last two witnesses to take the stand for the defense were a digital expert and a pathologist. The digital forensic expert, Daniel Lauper, challenged the findings of another expert who said Birchmore's final movements were recorded shortly before Farwell was seen leaving her apartment. Lauper pushed back, saying step data should be interpreted cautiously and that Birchmore's iPhone movements could have been inaccurate. Prosecutors say Farwell strangled Birchmore to death, Following a nasty argument where he ended their relationship, investigators believed he killed Birchmore to prevent her from revealing the truth about how long the two had been intimate for. The defense argues that Birchmore did in fact commit suicide, pointing to her mental health struggles and conflicting views on the cause of her death. Farwell was arrested back in August of 2024 for allegedly killing Birchmore. She was also 8 to 12 weeks pregnant when she was found dead in her apartment back in February of 2021. So Farwell was also charged in the death of the unborn child. Now, closing arguments from both sides are expected to be given tomorrow. Working for you, Nick Antonakis, 22 News.