Testimony Begins in Trial of Ex-Cop Accused of Killing Pregnant Woman He Groomed
Federal trial of former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell began Tuesday, with prosecutors alleging he strangled 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore in 2021 to prevent her from exposing a years-long sexual relationship that began when she was 15. Defense argues Birchmore died by suicide after Farwell broke up with her. Witnesses including Birchmore’s employer and property manager testified she was excited about her pregnancy and showed no signs of distress, contradicting the initial suicide ruling. Farwell faces life in prison if convicted.