Former Boston Officer Faces Trial in Grooming, Murder of Cadet
Matthew Farwell accused of killing pregnant cadet he groomed for years, staging her death as suicide.
Former Boston police officer Matthew Farwell is on trial for the alleged murder of a young woman he is accused of grooming and abusing for years, culminating in her death and the staging of her suicide. The victim, Sandra Birchmore, was a cadet who met Farwell when she was underage.
Prosecutors allege that Farwell, who met Birchmore through a police youth academy, groomed her over several years. During this time, he is accused of engaging in sexual relations with her and also passing her to his twin brother, William Farwell, who was also a Stoughton police officer. William Farwell is also accused of having a sexual relationship with Birchmore.
Birchmore was found dead in her Canton, Massachusetts apartment on February 4, 2021. At the time of her death, she was pregnant and reportedly excited about her future. Authorities allege that Farwell staged the scene to look like a suicide.
Disturbing text messages exchanged between Farwell and Birchmore have been presented as evidence, detailing their relationship over the years. The case has further eroded public trust in law enforcement, particularly in the town of Stoughton, which has recently seen other controversial legal proceedings involving police officers.
Another figure implicated in Birchmore's life was Stoughton Deputy Police Chief Robert Devine. Internal investigations found that Devine also had an inappropriate relationship with Birchmore. He has since retired following the probe.