Former officer Matthew Farwell found guilty in Sandra Birchmore murder case

Former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell has been found guilty of murdering Sandra Birchmore and causing the death of her unborn child. Prosecutors say Farwell killed Birchmore because he feared she would expose their sexual relationship, which began when she was a minor. According to evidence presented at trial, Birchmore told Farwell he was the father of her unborn baby in 2020 Prosecutors say that Farwell became increasingly angry about father of her unborn baby in 2020. the pregnancy and eventually strangled Birchmore in early 2021. Her death was initially ruled a suicide. The FBI began looking into the case two years later and concluded that it was a homicide. Federal prosecutors harshly criticized the initial police investigation, saying that officers did not follow leads and closed the case too quickly. When the evidence demands a second look, we must have the courage to pursue it. Justice requires persistence, not deference, not convenience, and certainly not the protection of those who wear the badge and misuse their authority. Farwell faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for February 3rd of next year.