SANDRA BIRCHMORE: 2021 murder and cover-up *ARREST*

I used to start a fair amount of case threads but life has me not doing so in quite awhile. The title will likely need more info, date, etc. and an intro.

I don't know enough yet to have an opinion but keep running into this case. Of course it jump started due to being the same area as Karen Read with LE involvement and yet nothing about them is similar. Night and day different.

An issue I have with cases of suicides or drownings, some various things like that is when they rule such accidental or suicide when it cannot be known. Not saying they aren't right in a lot of cases but short of solid proof it is such, I think they should in many cases be ruled undetermined.

It seems this one is heating up and I think a thread should be started but a mod may have to tweak my title and intro.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Well, well, well. GOOD!!!

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Disgraced Stoughton detective could face death penalty in alleged murder of Sandra Birchmore

After 38-year-old Matthew Farwell faced a federal judge in Boston Wednesday, security and legal experts assure us this is just the beginning of a deep-dive into years of allegations amongst the Stoughton Police Department.

www.boston25news.com

By Daniel Coates, Boston 25 News
August 29, 2024 at 6:24 am EDT

BOSTON — After 38-year-old Matthew Farwell faced a federal judge in Boston Wednesday, security and legal experts assure us this is just the beginning of a deep-dive into years of allegations amongst the Stoughton Police Department.

Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer, was arrested in Revere Wednesday and federally charged with the killing of a victim or witness.

He is accused of grooming Sandra Birchmore through a youth program by the department, having a sexual relationship with her for years, and killing her at the age of 23 after announcing she was allegedly carrying his child.

A 2022 internal investigation by Stoughton police found that Matthew Farwell, his twin brother and coworker William Farwell, and Robert C. Devine, a former deputy chief in Stoughton, had all had “inappropriate” relationships with Birchmore.


“In this case it wasn’t a bad apple,” said Dan Linskey, Boston 25 security analyst. “It looked like a bunch of bad apples.”

Linskey, former Boston police chief, called the allegations a blow to police departments across the Commonwealth.

“Everyone has every right to question law enforcement in this incident,” said Linskey. “It erodes the very trust and fabric of the community and policing we have in the area and region.”

Farwell is now facing a charge of killing a victim or witness.

Attorney Philip Tracy explained this charge stems from years of alleged abuse.

“There’s been investigation into the abuse of this girl since she was 15 years old by several members of the Stoughton police department. So, she could be characterized as a witness in that investigation of the abuse part.

Because of the federal charge, Tracy says prosecutors could seek the death penalty.

He finished, “With the idea of using and abusing the child and then killing her while pregnant, I think you could make a case that this is a death penalty case.”

Both Linskey and Tracy said investigators are surely still digging into years of allegations stemming from Farwell and the two Stoughton officers.

“Every officer in New England and every officer in the country is going to have to work harder at reestablishing that trust,” Linskey said.

 

[GrandmaBear]

This is absolutely atrocious and disgusting and I thought so from the first moment I heard of it.

I will add however it has nothing to do with a drunken Karen Read and her drunken bf, cop himself. It may well lhave to do with how some operate and the power they think they have or wield but it doesn't take away from the very different things in that case.

In some ways it is much like Becky Hill in Murdaugh, thrown in one bad apple giving fuel and there ya go, they can make anything out of it...

THIS is NOT some COMPETENT ADULT when this started, she was a child. A challenged one, taken advantage of.

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Suicide? She strangled herself to death?

 

[GrandmaBear]

They have an upcoming show tonight on this if anyone is interested. They usually do a pretty good one and usually have good guests. Emu this is the one that did the Read show that was quite the firecracker of a show with both sides going at it. It isn't always that way but it is usually pretty quality imo.



@Cousin Dupree

 

[Tresir]

I just came across this when reading articles about Okeefe, so searched for a thread just now. Glad you started one.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I just came across this when reading articles about Okeefe, so searched for a thread just now. Glad you started one.

This kind of case to me is one of the worst of the worst. People with authority taking advantage of someone vulnerable for years on end, and not one, but multiples.

It's like Murdaught but with two very different motives. This one is all sexual and that one was all money. But all people in positions of authority.

Makes me sick!

 

[Tresir]

This kind of case to me is one of the worst of the worst. People with authority taking advantage of someone vulnerable for years on end, and not one, but multiples.

It's like Murdaught but with two very different motives. This one is all sexual and that one was all money. But all people in positions of authority.

Makes me sick!

So there are three named officers and a fourth unnamed one involved with only Matthew Farwell arrested at present. His twin William and also Robert Devine ( a former deputy chief) have been named, with a fourth unnamed officer.

Have they tested the DNA of the unborn child to determine paternity, i wonder? Also do twins have identical DNA?

Anyone know why only one has been charged?

 

[GrandmaBear]

So there are three named officers and a fourth unnamed one involved with only Matthew Farwell arrested at present. His twin William and also Robert Devine ( a former deputy chief) have been named, with a fourth unnamed officer.

Have they tested the DNA of the unborn child to determine paternity, i wonder? Also do twins have identical DNA?

Anyone know why only one has been charged?

I don't know but I'd sure hope more charges against others are coming. It's outrageous. I'd say they keyed in on the one who did the worst first... But yes, more had BETTER be coming...

 

[Tresir]

There is a civil wrongful death suit going on, which is what seems to have put pressure on the case to finally make an arrest.

AG's investigation into Sandra Birchmore case ‘very active,' lawyer says

At a hearing in the ongoing wrongful death lawsuit filed in civil court by the estate of Sandra Birchmore, a lawyer for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office revealed new details about a criminal investigation, sharing that it’s still ongoing, three years after the woman’s death. “There is...

www.nbcboston.com

 

[GrandmaBear]

There is a civil wrongful death suit going on, which is what seems to have put pressure on the case to finally make an arrest.

AG's investigation into Sandra Birchmore case ‘very active,' lawyer says

At a hearing in the ongoing wrongful death lawsuit filed in civil court by the estate of Sandra Birchmore, a lawyer for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office revealed new details about a criminal investigation, sharing that it’s still ongoing, three years after the woman’s death. “There is...

www.nbcboston.com

No time to read right now, but such can do that and I think actually in more cases maybe civil cases should proceed long before later. Usually advised against by LE but I think because they just want their investigation kept protected, but such can bring a lot of info as the 'perps" can't decide not to be deposed, put on the stand, etc...I am saying this without having read the link. I have an earlier shift today so have a minute or two left here and there but no time to take any longer looks or reads right now.

It makes sense though on its face. However, any investigation should have been going on and resulting in arrest with or without a civil suit. But it probably helped...

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Upcoming hearing for ex-Stoughton officer accused of killing Sandra Birchmore canceled. Here's why

Matthew Farwell, the former Stoughton police detective accused of grooming Sandra Birchmore as a teen and then killing her when she became pregnant with his child as an adult, has requested the cancellation of an upcoming hearing so his attorney can have more time to review his case. Farwell is...

www.necn.com

Marc Fortier and Thea DiGiammerino​

Published September 9, 2024 • Updated on September 9, 2024 at 11:41 am​

An upcoming hearing for Matthew Farwell, the former Stoughton police detective accused of grooming Sandra Birchmore as a teen and then killing her when she became pregnant with his child as an adult, has been canceled after he agreed to remain in custody.

A federal magistrate judge on Monday granted Farwell's motion for voluntary order of detention and canceled Thursday's scheduled hearing in the case. Farwell had requested a "voluntary order of detention without prejudice," allowing him to stay in custody while retaining his right to request a detention hearing at a later date so his attorney could have more time to work through the details of the case.

He is now scheduled to return to court for a status conference on Oct. 17.

 

[GrandmaBear]

So sounds like his attonrey wants more time and he just wants him to have it...? He'd have likely remained in detention anyhow I'd HOPE AND THINK and would imagine they discussed this too...

 

[Tresir]

Officer decertified over ties to Sandra Birchmore as twin faces charges

William Farwell is facing no criminal charges but can no longer work as a police officer for his involvement with Sandra Birchmore's case.

www.courttv.com

BOSTON (Court TV) — A former police officer’s certification has been permanently revoked over his involvement in a case that has his twin brother charged with killing a woman both brothers had been seeing.

This photo provided by the Stoughton, Mass., Police Department shows Matthew Farwell, a former police officer who pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, to charges of killing a woman he is accused of sexually exploiting when she was underage and then trying to stage the death as a suicide after she told him she was pregnant. (Stoughton Police Department)

William Farwell, who worked as a police officer at the Stoughton Police Department for five years, entered a voluntary decertification agreement with the state, meaning he can no longer work as a law enforcement officer. His decertification will also be added to the National Decertification Index.

While William is not facing any criminal charges, his twin brother, Matthew Farwell, was indicted on federal charges that he strangled his pregnant mistress, Sandra Birchmore, to hide an affair that began when the victim was underage. Matthew is additionally accused of staging Birchmore’s death to appear as a suicide.

WATCH: Vinnie Politan Investigates | The Death of Sandra Birchmore

Both brothers were officers in the Stoughton Police Department and investigators say both men had sexual relationships with Birchmore. William allegedly admitted to detectives that he had a relationship with Birchmore spanning approximately two years. Throughout that relationship, which occurred when Birchmore was an adult, William was accused of sending Birchmore inappropriate messages while he was on duty.

Court TV reviewed the decertification order, which said that some of the texts exchanged were graphic and included “photographs and videos of nude individuals having sexual intercourse.” The order also accused William of lying to state police who were investigating Birchmore’s death.

While speaking with detectives with the Massachusetts State Police, William said that he had two or three sexual encounters with Birchmore and said the last time they were together was in Dec. 2020, when Birchmore told William that she was pregnant with his twin brother’s child. But phone records told a different story, revealing William and Birchmore met for a sexual encounter on Jan. 10, 2021. Birchmore was killed on Feb. 4, 2021.

Birchmore’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit naming both brothers and the Stoughton Police Department among the defendants.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Officer decertified over ties to Sandra Birchmore as twin faces charges

William Farwell is facing no criminal charges but can no longer work as a police officer for his involvement with Sandra Birchmore's case.

www.courttv.com

BOSTON (Court TV) — A former police officer’s certification has been permanently revoked over his involvement in a case that has his twin brother charged with killing a woman both brothers had been seeing.

This photo provided by the Stoughton, Mass., Police Department shows Matthew Farwell, a former police officer who pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, to charges of killing a woman he is accused of sexually exploiting when she was underage and then trying to stage the death as a suicide after she told him she was pregnant. (Stoughton Police Department)

William Farwell, who worked as a police officer at the Stoughton Police Department for five years, entered a voluntary decertification agreement with the state, meaning he can no longer work as a law enforcement officer. His decertification will also be added to the National Decertification Index.

While William is not facing any criminal charges, his twin brother, Matthew Farwell, was indicted on federal charges that he strangled his pregnant mistress, Sandra Birchmore, to hide an affair that began when the victim was underage. Matthew is additionally accused of staging Birchmore’s death to appear as a suicide.

WATCH: Vinnie Politan Investigates | The Death of Sandra Birchmore

Both brothers were officers in the Stoughton Police Department and investigators say both men had sexual relationships with Birchmore. William allegedly admitted to detectives that he had a relationship with Birchmore spanning approximately two years. Throughout that relationship, which occurred when Birchmore was an adult, William was accused of sending Birchmore inappropriate messages while he was on duty.

Court TV reviewed the decertification order, which said that some of the texts exchanged were graphic and included “photographs and videos of nude individuals having sexual intercourse.” The order also accused William of lying to state police who were investigating Birchmore’s death.

While speaking with detectives with the Massachusetts State Police, William said that he had two or three sexual encounters with Birchmore and said the last time they were together was in Dec. 2020, when Birchmore told William that she was pregnant with his twin brother’s child. But phone records told a different story, revealing William and Birchmore met for a sexual encounter on Jan. 10, 2021. Birchmore was killed on Feb. 4, 2021.

Birchmore’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit naming both brothers and the Stoughton Police Department among the defendants.

I'm not sure her how she or LE or either brother can have known the child was that of the one brother's. If this one's relationship spanned two years, it is just as possible it was his child. I suppose LE know now because she was pregnant when she died and they were likely able to confirm.

It also seems this brother could have been and should have been charged with something, did they cut a deal and is he testifying against his brother? I guess though as far as any relationship with her, his was only while she was an adult supposedly. What absolute disgusting rutting pigs and I guess neither is going to be the other kind of pig any longer, speaking of pigs. (Cop)

If this one did nothing legally wrong, then what is the decertification for? I don't mean it is not deserved, I mean he must have done something wrong...

 

[Tresir]

I'm not sure her how she or LE or either brother can have known the child was that of the one brother's. If this one's relationship spanned two years, it is just as possible it was his child. I suppose LE know now because she was pregnant when she died and they were likely able to confirm.

It also seems this brother could have been and should have been charged with something, did they cut a deal and is he testifying against his brother? I guess though as far as any relationship with her, his was only while she was an adult supposedly. What absolute disgusting rutting pigs and I guess neither is going to be the other kind of pig any longer, speaking of pigs. (Cop)

If this one did nothing legally wrong, then what is the decertification for? I don't mean it is not deserved, I mean he must have done something wrong...

From my memory i think they both sexually abused her. Identical twins apparently don't have identical DNA so i think they would be able to test to see who fathered any child. Did she know they were different people or were they duping her?

 

[GrandmaBear]

From my memory i think they both sexually abused her. Identical twins apparently don't have identical DNA so i think they would be able to test to see who fathered any child. Did she know they were different people or were they duping her?

That's an interesting thought.... Was she that clueless as an adult, I know they took advantage of her when younger or the one did anyhow and yes it seemed to me both did but this latest article you put up, sounds like the brother only had a relationship with her the last two years and I had thought otherwise but never had time to go back and check...

Yes once she was murdered, they probably were able to test the fetus but I mean I wonder even how either guy knew which one should be worried before that etc. about the pregnancy and so forth.

Perhaps one is fixed...? They should be, in more than one way... Imo.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

25 Investigates: Abington recommends ‘decertification’ for former cop linked to Sandra Birchmore

The town of Abington has recommended that former school resource officer Josh Heal be stripped of his police certification by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST).

www.boston25news.com

25 Investigates: Abington recommends ‘decertification’ for former cop linked to Sandra Birchmore​

The town of Abington has recommended that former school resource officer Josh Heal be stripped of his police certification by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST).

Abington Town Manager Scott Lambaise told investigative reporter Ted Daniel that the new Abington Police Chief submitted a recommendation to “decertify” Heal after POST requested a 2023 town report that detailed Heal’s statements about his relationship with Sandra Birchmore before her alleged murder in February 2021.

POST reached out to the town days before 25 Investigates reported that credible allegations made against Heal were never reported to the state law enforcement watchdog agency.

Those allegations stem from an internal affairs probe Stoughton Police conducted into text messages Massachusetts State Police detectives pulled from Birchmore’s mobile phone after she was found dead in her Canton Apartment in February 2021. State Police assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office initially ruled Birchmore’s death a suicide.

In August, federal authorities charged former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell with murdering Birchmore and staging her death to look like she hung herself. Farwell first met Birchmore when she was a 13-year-old participant in Stoughton’s Police Explorer Program, which teaches young people about jobs in law enforcement.

Then Stoughton Deputy Police Chief Robert Holmes first contacted then-Abington Police Chief David Del Papa in December 2021 to tell him that Heal was a witness in the internal affairs probe.

Months later, Holmes told Del Papa he, “found Josh (Heal) to be not credible because Josh denied having a sexual relationship with Birchmore during the first interview but had changed his answer in the second interview.” Heal met Birchmore when she was an adult in his previous role as a Stoughton Animal Control Officer.

Heal resigned “in lieu of discipline” according to POST in February 2023 but has remained “certified” or in good standing as a Massachusetts police officer.

“Law enforcement agencies must submit complaints alleging officer misconduct, including allegations of bias, excessive force, serious injury or death, and unprofessional conduct,” according to POST regulations. Prior to POST reaching out to Abington, the agency said they had no record of any complaints against Heal.

A POST spokesperson said, POST “cannot comment on cases that may be pending.”

An email sent to Heal’s attorney Peter S. Farrell of Duxbury was not immediately returned.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Prosecution, defense in Sandra Birchmore death case appear in front of federal judge - Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

BOSTON (WHDH) - Supporters of Sandra Birchmore — whose 2021 death was originally declared a suicide, before a former Stoughton police officer was charged in<a class="excerpt-read-more"...

whdh.com

Prosecution, defense in Sandra Birchmore death case appear in front of federal judge​

Supporters of Sandra Birchmore — whose 2021 death was originally declared a suicide, before a former Stoughton police officer was charged in connection with her death — demanded answers outside the federal courthouse in Boston Monday.

Matthew Farwell is charged with killing Birchmore and staging the crime scene to look like a suicide. The defense and prosecution in the case attended a hearing Monday, updating the judge on their preparations for the upcoming trial.

“We’ve been waiting and waiting for it just to get into court, so we’re just happy that it’s finally starting to happen,” said Melissa Berry, a supporter of Birchmore.

Sandra Birchmore case returns to court; trial date still not set

The federal case against Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton police detective accused of killing Sandra Birchmore after grooming her for years, was back in court Monday morning. The case returned to the United States District Court in Boston for a status conference hearing. Farwell did not...

www.nbcboston.com

Sandra Birchmore case returns to court; trial date still not set​

The federal case against Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton police detective accused of killing Sandra Birchmore after grooming her for years, was back in court Monday morning.

The case returned to the United States District Court in Boston for a status conference hearing. Farwell did not appear.

The hearing was fairly uneventful - the prosecution and defense attorneys told the judge that they are collaborating to disclose the necessary evidence. The government also stated that they are specifically working on a review protocol for devices that could contain privileged information.

The next hearing was set for April 15. The judge advised both sides to begin considering setting a trial date.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Murder or Suicide? Breaking the Sandra Birchmore Story - The Boston Globe

Is having a baby an asset or a liability on the campaign trail? Three working mothers unpack Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s decision.

www.bostonglobe.com

Murder or Suicide? Breaking the Sandra Birchmore Story​

The story of Sandra Birchmore may never have made headlines if it wasn’t for Laura Crimaldi, a Boston Globe reporter who spent years following the trail of Birchmore’s life and tragic death.

While Birchmore’s death was originally ruled as a suicide, follow up investigations showed she was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a married Stoughton police officer, starting when she was a minor. This new line of investigation uncovered years of mistreatment by multiple officers and had Birchmore’s loved ones asking why nothing was done to protect her while she was alive. Guest host Jazmin Aguilera speaks to Globe reporters Laura Crimaldi and Yvonne Abraham about what it took to unravel this story.

Listen to more “Say More” episodes at globe.com/saymore and wherever you get your podcasts. If you like the show, please follow us and leave us a review. You can email us at saymore@globe.com.

Say More with Shirley Leung

Big ideas are born in Boston.

www.bostonglobe.com