Ex-cop Matthew Farwell stands trial for murder of pregnant Sandra Birchmore after suicide ruling overturned

A former Stoughton police officer is facing trial for the murder of a young woman and her unborn child. Matthew Farwell, 36, stands accused of killing Sandra Birchmore in 2021, after a relationship that began when she was just 15. The case has taken a new turn with changes to Birchmore’s official death certificate. Sandra Birchmore was found dead in her Canton apartment in February 2021. At the time, authorities ruled her death a suicide by hanging. But her amended death certificate now lists the cause as 'asphyxia' and the manner as 'undetermined', raising fresh questions about the case.

Farwell is charged with strangling Birchmore and staging the scene to look like a suicide. Prosecutors allege he began a sexual relationship with her when she was 15 and he was 27. Birchmore, 23 at the time of her death, was also pregnant. The defence maintains that the original suicide ruling supports Farwell’s innocence. Meanwhile, Barbara Wright, Birchmore’s cousin, has spoken out, hoping the revised death certificate will help secure justice for her relative and the unborn child. Farwell remains in custody without bail. His trial is scheduled for October.

The amended death certificate removes the initial suicide classification, leaving the manner of Birchmore’s death unresolved. With Farwell awaiting trial, the case now hinges on forensic evidence and witness testimony. The outcome could determine whether he is held responsible for the deaths of Birchmore and her unborn son.