Ex-Cop Trial: Ultrasound Photo Shown of Pregnant Victim

Prosecutors displayed an ultrasound image of Sandra Birchmore's unborn son during the trial of Matthew Farwell, a former police officer accused of her murder. Farwell allegedly killed Birchmore to conceal their affair and her pregnancy.

The jury saw photos of Birchmore's apartment in Canton, Massachusetts, where she was found dead on February 4, 2021. The images included an ultrasound picture of her unborn child affixed to her refrigerator and a box for a baby stroller on the floor.

According to federal prosecutors, Birchmore was at least eight months pregnant when she died. They allege Farwell strangled her and staged the scene to appear as a suicide. The motive, prosecutors claim, was to prevent Birchmore from exposing their seven-year sexual relationship to his wife. This relationship allegedly began when Farwell, then a police officer, was grooming Birchmore at age 15.

Prosecutors also stated that both Birchmore and Farwell believed she was carrying his child. However, DNA testing later refuted this, according to the prosecution. Farwell's wife reportedly gave birth to his third child the day after Birchmore's death.

Testimony on Tuesday revealed that Birchmore had moved into the apartment in December 2020, shortly before her death. Photos depicted the apartment as sparsely decorated, cluttered, and untidy, with water bottles, soda cans, and papers scattered throughout.

Cheryl Carlson, a former colleague of Birchmore's, testified that she found the initial ruling of suicide improbable. Carlson stated that Birchmore was excited about the impending birth of her child and was determined to have the baby, despite arguments with the father. Birchmore had confided in Carlson about her pregnancy and her determination to have the child.

Prosecutors presented text messages in which Birchmore shared her pregnancy news with Farwell, who allegedly responded negatively. The prosecution contends that Farwell agreed to the pregnancy under duress, fearing Birchmore would reveal their affair to his wife. It is alleged that Farwell began grooming Birchmore when she was 13 and sexually abusing her starting at age 15.

During the investigation, Farwell allegedly staged Birchmore's death to look like a suicide by placing a strap around her neck and suspending her body from a closet doorknob. The jury was shown graphic images of Birchmore's body as it was discovered.

Farwell has pleaded not guilty to charges including killing a witness or victim and causing the death of an unborn child. His defense attorneys argue that Birchmore died by suicide, citing her history of mental health issues. Prosecutors countered that Birchmore was focused on her pregnancy and mental well-being, having resumed antidepressant medication.