Farwell Heads to Trial After Death Ruling Changed HOW?!

Matthew Farwell is heading toward trial with two competing stories about Sandra Birchmore’s death and an official record that has already changed. The Massachusetts medical examiner originally ruled suicide. In April 2026, the office amended the manner of death to undetermined and changed the cause from asphyxia by hanging to asphyxia. 

Farwell’s lawyers maintain Sandra killed herself. A federal judge has ruled that they may introduce evidence about her mental-health struggles and history of suicidal thoughts. Prosecutors will argue that the case cannot be reduced to those records. They allege Farwell used his authority in the Stoughton Police Explorers program to begin an unlawful relationship with Sandra when she was 15 and later killed her to stop disclosure. 

Sandra had joined the youth program at 12. A later Stoughton internal investigation found that Matthew Farwell, his twin brother William, and former deputy chief Robert Devine had inappropriate relationships with her. William Farwell and Devine have not been charged in the federal prosecution. 

The early handling of Sandra’s death is also expected to matter. Federal prosecutors say local officers told the medical examiner there was “no foul play” within about an hour of finding her body. They say investigators did not compel Farwell’s DNA and did not seize his electronic devices during the first investigation. 

Federal investigators later returned to the evidence. Prosecutors have said testing showed Farwell was a major DNA contributor on the duffel-bag strap found at the scene. Defense lawyers say the strap contained a complex mixture and dispute the government’s interpretation. 

Farwell has pleaded not guilty to charges of killing a witness and causing the death of Sandra’s unborn son. The defense says suicide. The prosecution alleges homicide and staging. Jury selection is scheduled for October 5, 2026. 

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice. 

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