Summary:

• Name: Sandra Birchmore
• Born: May 13, 1997
• Died: February 1, 2021
• Age: 23
• Cause of Death: Asphyxiation (official ruling: suicide); disputed by family and contradicted by civil lawsuit and forensic evidence
• Alleged Perpetrators: Officers Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, Robert Devine, and former Animal Control Officer Joshua Heal
• Key Investigators: Massachusetts State Police (MSP), Stoughton Police Internal Affairs, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
• Legal Status: Federal indictment filed in August 2024; civil suit filed in December 2022

Sandra Birchmore deeply admired law enforcement. At just 13 years old, she joined the Stoughton, Massachusetts Police Explorers Program a youth mentorship initiative led by Officers Robert Devine and twin brothers Matthew and William Farwell. Not long after joining, the officers began grooming her.

By age 23, Sandra was pregnant with Officer Matthew Farwell’s child. Farwell already a father of two, with a third on the way with his wife made it clear he was unhappy about the pregnancy. Sandra confided in friends, co-workers, and family members that Farwell was the father, and that he had pressured her to end the pregnancy, warning her: “Take care of it, or I will.” She also told others that if anything happened to her, investigators should look at Matthew.

In early February 2021, after missing several days of work, a wellness check was requested. On February 4, Canton Police officers found Sandra’s body in her apartment seated on the floor, a ligature around her neck, tied to a closet door handle. Although the medical examiner ruled her highly suspicious death a suicide, many still ask: Was Sandra Birchmore really suicidal or was she silenced?

References & Source Documents

• MSP interviews, IA report (2022), autopsy (2021), internal memos
• Civil case filings, indictment documents
• Press coverage
• All sources will be linked inline where appropriate and listed here with PDF access

Table of Contents

1. Early Life & Background
2. Police Explorers Program & Grooming Allegations
3. Relationships & Pregnancy
4. Final Months (Jan–Feb 2021)
5. Discovery of Body & Autopsy
6. Investigations & Interviews
7. Legal Actions: Lawsuit & Indictment
8. Media Coverage & Public Response
9. References & Source Documents

Note: All timeline entries, biographical details, and associated narrative content were compiled using official records, including police reports, internal investigation documents, court filings, and autopsy findings. Additional context was drawn from family statements, publicly available family tree databases, and verified social media profiles to ensure accuracy and continuity of information.

May 13, 1997

• Sandra Birchmore is born in Massachusetts.

2002

• Chief Cachopa’s decision: Chief Manuel Cachopa selected Robert Devine, who had been advising the Explorers Program since at least 1999, to take full leadership of the program in 2002.

2003

• Robert Devine had fully integrated Matthew and William Farwell into the Explorers Program’s core activities.  IA Report p6
  
  
• According to witness testimony later unearthed through investigative reporting (referenced in the  Case podcast), the Farwell brothers were frequently seen spending extended time in the middle school gym alongside Robert Devine. These interactions, while initially framed as mentoring, were later scrutinized for their appropriateness and the dynamics they fostered.
• The Explorers Program, once a promising initiative, became shadowed by questions about boundaries and oversight. The Farwell brothers’ journey from troubled students to influential figures within the program reflected both the potential for growth and the challenges of unchecked authority in youth mentorship initiatives.
• Witness testimony (via Case Podcast) alleges the Farwell brothers frequently spent time in the middle school gym with Devine.

2004

• Matthew Farwell earns a high school equivalency diploma in Maine.
• He enlists in the Army and is trained as an explosives expert.
• Matthew Farwell brothers transitioned from participants to guest instructors. (  IA Report p6)

2005

• Sandra Birchmore, at age 8, attends the Respect Program.
• Matthew Farwell Completed: Basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
• Advanced Individual Training at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
• Qualified for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training
• Assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas
• Promoted to Private First Class

2006

• March, 2006 Matthew Farwell deploys to Afghanistan for six months. first to Bagram and then to JJalalabad, where he joined Task Force (TF) Paladin.
• June 23, 2006: Sandra participates in a 14-week Strengthening Program for high-risk families.  Strengthening Program for high-risk families.
• Fall 2006 Matthew Farwell Returned to Fort Bliss, Texas
• Promoted to Sergeant
• Selected as team leader

2008

• Matthew Farwell Medically separated from the Army due to migraines and neck pain and moves back to Massachusetts.
• Attended and graduated from police academy Joined Wellesley Police Department
• Matthew Farwell volunteer with local youth programs and earns several commendations, including one in 2012 for performing CPR at a gym.

2010

• March, 2010: Sandra Birchmore, age 12, applies to join the Youth Explorers Program but is placed on the standby list.
• May 18, 2010 The Stoughton Police Department executed an Annual Memorandum of Understanding with Learning for Life to operate a Police Explorers post. The agreement formalized SPD’s participation and governance obligations for the Explorers Program. The memorandum was signed on behalf of SPD by Robert C. Devine. The memorandum set training, screening, supervision, insurance, and evaluation requirements for the program. Source
• Matthew Farwell (Wellesley PD) and William Farwell (Army) volunteer as instructors for the Explorers Program.

2011

• May 2011: Sandra Became a member of the Explorers Program
• September 2011: Matthew Farwell volunteers with the Police Explorers Program. 
• September, 2011 – June 2012: Farwell begins meeting with Birchmore during her freshman year in high school. Birchmore tells others that Farwell is helping her with homework. 

2012

• March 19, 2012: Sandra and her family attend orientation and sign-ups for the 2012 Explorers Academy, held at the Stoughton Police Station.
• March 27, 2012: Matthew Farwell was hired by the Stoughton Police Department. After joining the Stoughton Police Department, he served as a Police Explorers instructor. He had several roles as an instructor, including teaching firearms and explosives safety and conducting canine demonstrations.  Source
• October 28, 2012: Matthew Farwell sent Birchmore a Facebook “friend request”
• Farwell Engagement: After working late “Matt woke me up to let me know he was home as he usually does and when he did I felt something on my finger. While I was sleeping he slipped the ring on my finger so it would be there when I woke up. Once I woke up and was crying because I saw it he popped the question.” Source

2013

• April 10, 2013: Matthew Farwell SA assaulted Sandra when she was 15 years old. Sandra began using a journal describing her relationship with Farwell. Matthew Farwell reportedly began an inappropriate physical relationship with Sandra Birchmore when she was 15, which is considered statutory rape under Massachusetts law. 
• April 11, 2013 Matthew Farwell and Michelle Chisholm participated in a pre-wedding photoshoot Source
• May 4, 2013: Matthew Farwell and Michelle Chisholm were married The wedding took place at the Omni Mount Washington Resort Source
• September 2013: In a Facebook post, the Stoughton Police Department writes, “Smile Birchmore,”Matthew Farwell had sex with Birchmore when she was a minor, starting in or around April 2013, when Birchmore was 15 and Matthew Farwell was 27.  Post
• October 15, 2013 Matthew Farwell received certified training related to firearms simulation instruction Source

2014

• April 3, 2014: Sandra Attended 13th Stoughton Police Explorers Class  Source
• April 17, 2014: Denise Birchmore sent a letter to Robert Devine. In letter Denise Birchmore was extending thanks to the Stoughton Police Department, and in particular, Devine for running the police Explorers program
• March 27, 2014: Sandra attended Police Explorers Orientation  Source
• May 15, 2014 Matthew Farwell received formal narcotics investigation training Source
• June 12, 2014: Sandra Birchmore Featured in Stoughton Police Department Tweet as she attends Police Explorers Program  Source
  On this day, the Stoughton Police Department tweeted a photo from its official Twitter account showing a group of Police Explorers teenagers participating in a program designed to introduce youth to careers in law enforcement. Summer Program ran by Robert Devine. The tweet read: “Waiting for their turn #policeexplorers”  Source
  

2015 

• June 4, 2015 – Sandra Graduated from Stoughton High School  Source
• June 2015, shortly after graduating from Stoughton High School, Sandra Marie Birchmore began basic training for the U.S. Army Reserve. Motivated by a strong sense of service and a desire to gain experience that would support her ultimate goal of becoming a police officer, Sandra saw military training as a vital step in her career path.
• July 10, 2015, Police Chief Paul Shastany placed Devine on administrative leave while an internal affairs consultant looked into the matter
• August 2015, Sandra had returned home. She told those around her that she had been discharged from service due to asthma, a medical condition that prevented her from completing the rigorous demands of basic training.
• September 2015, Devine resumed service at the patrol-officer rank following the agreed-upon suspension period.
• Fall: Sandra Birchmore enrolled at Massasoit Community College in Brockton to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice

2016

• May 7, 2016: Denise Birchmore, at the age of 52, suffered a stroke. Denise died two weeks later.  Obituary
• June 24, 2016: Sandra Marie Birchmore experienced another profound tragedy: the death of her grandmother, Claire G. Coughlin Gaudet. This loss came just one month after the death of her mother, Denise F. McKain Birchmore, who passed away in May 2016.  Obituary

On this date, the Stoughton Police Department shared a festive image on their official Facebook page featuring members of the department’s Police Explorers program—a community-based initiative designed to introduce young people to careers in law enforcement. The photo captured a group of teenagers standing in front of a brightly decorated Christmas tree, all smiling and celebrating the holiday season. Among them was 15-year-old Sandra Birchmore, whose radiant smile stood out in the group.

The post was cheerful in tone and intended to highlight the department’s engagement with local youth. The caption read, “Smile Birchmore,” referring to Sandra directly. At the time, she was actively involved in the Explorers program and appeared to be a well-liked and enthusiastic participant.

In retrospect, the photo stands in stark contrast to the troubling revelations that would emerge later, involving then Officer Matthew Farwell a man more than a decade her senior who was also involved in the Explorers program abusing Sandra.

On April 17, 2014 Denise Birchmore sent a letter to Robert Devine. In letter Denise Birchmore was extending thanks to the Stoughton Police Department, and in particular, Devine for running the police Explorers program.

On June 12, 2014, a seemingly ordinary day in the small town of Stoughton, Massachusetts, a tweet went out from the official Twitter account of the Stoughton Police Department. The tweet read, “Waiting for their turn #policeexplorers,” accompanied by a photo of a group of young Police Explorers—aspiring law enforcement officers—standing in a line, eagerly waiting for their next activity.

On that fateful day in June, while the young Police Explorers were “waiting for their turn” to participate in training exercises, Sandra Birchmore was enduring another cycle of abuse by those very officers. The tweet, meant to showcase the department’s commitment to nurturing future officers, was a stark contrast to the reality of what was happening behind closed doors.

The abuse continued for years, hidden in plain sight, with Sandra suffering in silence. The cheerful photos and tweets masked a grim truth—a truth that would only come to light years later when Sandra’s life was lost.

June 4, 2015, Sandra graduated from high school – Stoughton High School Class of 2015. High School Announcement

On June 4, 2015, Sandra graduated from Stoughton High School, proudly joining the Class of 2015. The ceremony marked the culmination of her academic journey through high school, a time filled with learning, growth, and meaningful friendships. Sandra’s graduation was not only a celebration of her accomplishments but also the beginning of a new chapter as she prepared to step into adulthood and pursue her future goals. Source

Denise F. (McKain) Birchmore, 52, died Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston after a long illness. Born in Tewksbury, she was raised in Dorchester and Stoughton and was a graduate of Stoughton High School, Class of 1982.

Denise was a longtime resident of Stoughton. Mrs. Birchmore worked as a payroll clerk at Howard Johnson’s in Milton several years ago. She lost her husband Warren Birchmore in 1995. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her daughter Sandra Birchmore and her family. Source

On June 24, 2016 Sandra took the Massachusetts Civil Service exam and was placed on the eligibility list for the Stoughton police force. (Note: According to Globe)

Fall of 2019 Sandra Birchmore met Joshua Heal when she came to the shelter to adopt a cat. They became friends and later engaged in a consensual sex act once after working hours at the animal shelter.  Sandra started to confide in him about intimate details of her life including her relationship with Farwell brothers and Devine.. According to Joshua, they engaged in a consensual sex act once after working hours at the animal. Joshua Heal is friends with  Sandra on Facebook 

October 12, 2019 death of her grandmotherClaire had stepped in as a maternal figure In 2001 Claire G. Coughlin Gaudet, after the death of Sandra’s grandmother,  Grace Theresa Coughlin.Claire G. (Coughlin) Gaudet, 89, a longtime resident of Stoughton, died unexpectedly at Brockton Hospital on Friday, June 24, C2dra spoke with her friend about money she promised to pay back a few month before. After receiving no response from Birchmore, friend got irritated and asked Sandra why she only stopped responding when she requested that Birchmore pay her back.

January 20, 2021: Sa16. She was the wife of the late Gerald V. Gaudet. Born in Boston, she was raised and educated in South Boston. She resided in Stoughton for over 50 years. Claire was a homemaker. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, shopping, trips to D.W. Field Park in Brockton, the beach and Castle Island and spending time with her family.Mrs. Gaudet was the aunt of Alice McKain and Darlene Smith both of Stoughton and the late Denise Birchmore and Stephen Gaudet. Source

2017

• March 21, 2017: 
• William Farwell becomes a Stoughton police officer
• 2017:
• Sandra Birchmore began employment with JLW Donuts, LLC at a Dunkin’ Donuts store located at 5 Stockwell Drive, Avon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Source
• July 14, 2017: 
• Sandra Birchmore left work early due to illness.  Source
• July 15, 2017: 
• Birchmore suffered a medical incident while working at the Dunkin’ Donuts store. Sandra Birchmore received medical care.  Source
• July 17, 2017: 
• JLW Donuts terminated Birchmore’s employment. Manager sent Birchmore a text message stating: “Your off the schedule.”

2018 

• February 20, 2018: Sandra Birchmore filed a civil complaint in Norfolk Superior Court against JLW Donuts, LLC.  Source
• Birchmore alleged:
• Disability discrimination under Massachusetts General Laws c. 151B, § 4(16).
• Violation of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Negligence.
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress.
• Negligent infliction of emotional distress.
• Retaliation and discipline under Massachusetts earned sick time law, G.L. c. 148, § 149C(h).
• June 1, 2018 
• Sandra Birchmore graduated from Massasoit Community College with associate’s degree in criminal justice. 
• June 20, 2018: 
• A stipulation of dismissal with prejudice was filed in Norfolk Superior Court in the case of Sandra Birchmore v. JLW Donuts, LLC, Civil Action No. 1882CV00253. Source
• Later Sandra worked as an Uber Driver to support herself. 
  

2019

• September 1, 2019
• Sandra took the Massachusetts Civil Service exam and was placed on the eligibility list for the Stoughton police force. (Note: According to Globe)
  
• Fall of 2019 
• Sandra Birchmore met Joshua Heal when she came to the shelter to adopt a cat. They became friends and later engaged in a consensual sex act once after working hours at the animal shelter. Sandra started to confide in him about intimate details of her life including her relationship with Farwell brothers and Devine.. According to Joshua, they engaged in a consensual sex act once after working hours at the animal. Joshua Heal is friends with  Sandra on Facebook 
• October 12, 2019 
• Sandra lost her favorite aunt  Alice.

2020

• April 10, 2020: 
• Matthew Farwell texts Birchmore, “I’m going to sneak away from work quick.” It is part of an alleged pattern where Farwell would shirk his police duties while on the clock to meet up with Birchmore.
• May 19, 2020: 
• The police were called to Sandra Birchmore’s home for a well-being check.  Source
• A dispatcher informed the officers that Birchmore was expressing a desire to harm herself, according to police radio call recordings.
• According to police records and information disclosed by a friend, on that day, Birchmore had gotten into a fight with a family member, who called the police and reported Birchmore was going to harm herself. The police took Birchmore to the hospital, where she was evaluated and deemed not at risk for self-harm. She was released a few hours later.  IA Report
  
• May 24, 2020: 
• An ambulance was called to the Sandra Birchmore home again, this time she was found unconscious and possibly experiencing anxiety. She was subsequently transported to a hospital in Brockton.
  
• September 2020: 
• Sandra applied for housing and secured her own place. (Note: Statement from Apartment Complex manager)
  
• October 2020: 
• Sandra Birchmore begins working at East Elementary School in Sharon, Massachusetts
• Around this period:
• Birchmore moves out of her aunt’s residence after learning the home was being sold
• She is described as very upset about having to leave
• Housing transition:
• Birchmore initially stays with a friend
• She later moves into her own apartment
• According to a maintenance worker: Matthew Farwell assisted Birchmore in obtaining the apartment
• October 5, 2020
• Joshua Heal informs Sandra Birchmore that Matthew Farwell’s wife is pregnant with the couple’s third child
• He tells her the baby is expected to be born in February 2021
• In response:
• Birchmore states she intends to tell Farwell’s wife that he had been having sex with her for nearly ten years
• That same day:
• Birchmore drafts a message addressed to Farwell’s wife
• She sends a copy of the drafted message to Joshua Heal

“I am just messaging to inform you that your husband Matthew has been out cheating on you since before you guys were even married.”

• October 12, 2020
• Sandra Birchmore presents Matthew Farwell with an ultimatum regarding their relationship
• According to court records: Birchmore tells Farwell he must agree to engage in unprotected sex with the goal of conceiving a child. In return, she states she will not disclose their relationship
• At the time: Birchmore had already disclosed to others that Farwell had been having sex with her since before she was 16 years old. She was aware that this conduct constituted a criminal offense
• The record further indicates:
• Birchmore knew Farwell had been leaving work while on duty as a Stoughton police officer to meet her for sexual encounters
• October 14, 2020: 
• Sandra asked if Farwell would like a copy of the key, Matthew Farwell told her that he did not think it was a good idea for him to keep a key to her new (Canton) apartment
• November 3, 2020: 
• Sandra asked Farwell if they could try again that month or whether they would need to talk “in person about that.” Farwell responded, “ that’s an in person discussion.”
• November 5, 2020: 
• Birchmore asked Farwell if he had given any more thought to their prior conversation and told him that she thought of a way they could both be happy

Sandra: How would you feel about us having a baby, you being there AND signing the birth certificate (theres never gonna be a need for your information anyway so youll be safe there) and I wont talk shit about her or your kids.

That way we both get what we want. You asked me the other day what I wanted and I didn’t want to give it to you in the form of an ultimatum so I am trying to do it with you as a compromise type of thing Can you tell me what you thought of? 

I’m down for discussing it in person but the more I thought about it you signing it really isn’t going to have an impact on you cause of the way things are going to fall in the future

Farwell: ok that’s an in person discussion

• November 18, 2020, in which they discussed an upcoming sexual encounter:
• FARWELL: I’m going to try for tonight I’ve been in interviews all day from the murder Sorry
• BIRCHMORE: Exciting. Okay. I’m running to the store and doing something for you then. I hope you can come
• FARWELL: What are you doing for me?
• BIRCHMORE: Lol shaving.
• BIRCHMORE: Are you planning on rolling me over? I need to know what you want if you come?
• FARWELL: If you want me to roll you * * *
• FARWELL: Would you want me to use a condom if I roll you?
• BIRCHMORE: I dont have any lol. I never picked any up. * * *
• BIRCHMORE: Do you want me to just take what you do or try and say no? I know being told no is your favorite
• FARWELL: Say no
• BIRCHMORE: I can do that
• Approximately 21 minutes after the foregoing text messages, Farwell told Birchmore that he was at her apartment and subsequent text messages indicate that she let him in. Approximately 25 minutes later, Birchmore asked Farwell via text message whether he enjoyed having vaginal sex with her again and he responded, “yeah.”
• November 24, 2020:
• Birchmore asks Farwell if he would be on duty when the two are scheduled to meet.
• Farwell responds by texting her, “Yes I will be on the clock.”
• November 27, 2020: 
• Sandra spoke with Robert Devine aka Marty Riggs via Facebook messenger. 
• December 21, 2020: 
• Sandra spoke via Facebook messenger with Robert Devine who was on duly for the Stoughton Police Department. He requested Birchmore to meet him at the Chateau restaurant. When Devine arrived he sent Sandra another message asking her where she was, she indicated she was on the way.
• December 28, 2020: 
• Birchmore sent Farwell a text message informing him that she was pregnant. She sent him a photo of a poster she had made to celebrate the pregnancy. 
  
• December 29, 2020: 
• Matthew Farwell was at Sandra’s apartment. Sandra mentioned to a friend that she had talked to Matthew Farwell about her pregnancy a few days before Christmas. They had an argument, and she asked him to leave the apartment. But before he left, Sandra said Farwell told her “I wish you would kill yourself”..

Sandra Birchmore: it made me really uncomfortable and stressed out and scared when you were next to me because I thought you were gonna hit me after you said what you said and took things out of my hand. That’s why I was crying. I know you wouldn’t but it still scared me.

• December 30, 2020:
• Sandra visited a hair salon to prepare for a New Year’s Eve celebration. 

2021

• January 3, 2021: 
• Sandra Birchmore asked Matthew Farwell if their child could have his last name. However, he told her he would not discuss that issue via text message
• January 4, 2021: 
• Sandra Birchmore told Matthew Farwell that she was going to the doctor the next day and asked if he wanted to know how the appointment went. Farwell did not directly respond to that question.
• January 5, 2021: 
• Sandra Birchmore asked Matthew Farwell to come over so they could discuss her estimated due date, the week of her first ultrasound, her conversation with her doctor, and her first appointment. FARWELL did not respond directly to that request.
• January 6, 2021: Birchmore began to ask FARWELL what their family would look like.
  
• BIRCHMORE: You don’t have to sign the bc if I’m allowed to at least list you and they can have your name and I won’t move to Stoughton or 
• BIRCHMORE: I won’t bitch about holidays- but I would like you to come a few days before Christmas and Easter so you can see what they get from me and I don’t want you to leave them out. And If you want to try and support them, we can talk about that. But I do want you to see them.
• BIRCHMORE: I feel like I’m trying to be as fair as I can. And I want you there for labor… That I’m standing my ground on.
• BIRCHMORE: Last name**
• FARWELL: ok we can discuss this more in person.
• BIRCHMORE: Okay. I figured. Does it kinda sound ok to you?
• FARWELL: It a lot to think about it’s so much more than you have ever asked for. * * *
• BIRCHMORE: And still less than what any other girl would ask for
• January 8, 2021: 
• Sandra Birchmore meet with Matthew Farwell at her apartment to discuss the pregnancy, they ended up arguing, Farwell has pushed her and shoved her and put her in a choke hold,and Sandra kicked him out of her apartment.
• January 9, 2021: 
• Sandra Birchmore called Joshua Heal and stated that, after telling Matthew Farwell about the baby, Matthew Farwell told her that “he wished just would die and he wants nothing to do with the baby.” According to the information Birchmore shared, Farwell put Birchmore in a headlock and grabbed her cell phone from her hand. Joshua Heal told Birchmore to distance herself from Matthew Farwell, given that he was dangerous, a police officer, and obviously did not care about the law. However, Matthew Farwell was also aware that Birchmore appeared to be attached to Matthew Farwell because he had taken her virginity when she was 15 years old.
• January 10, 2021: 
• Sandra met with William Farwell in the parking lot of her apartment building after midnight on January 10, 2021  IAB Report
• January 16, 2021: 
• Sandra spoke with her friend about money she promised to pay back a few month before. After receiving no response from Birchmore, friend got irritated and asked Sandra why she only stopped responding when she requested that Birchmore pay her back.
• January 20, 2021: 
• Sandra’s friend is angry with Sandra because Sandra had owed her the money for a couple months. She called the Stoughton Police and informed them about the monetary dispute, and was advised that this was a civil matter. She became upset and responded to the officer on phone by insinuating that the Stoughton officer or detective Matthew Farwell is engaged in a sexual relationship with Sandra Birchmore should tell her to pay back the money she owes.

Later that day Matthew sent Birchmore text messages revealing his extreme anger. He sent her a series of text messages with expletives, telling Birchmore that he thought no one knew about their relationship, that she had no clue how bad this was, and indicating that he does not know if he needs to worry about other disclosures.

• FARWELL: Dude your fucking friend called my job Sandra wtf
• BIRCHMORE: ?
• FARWELL: You’re friend just called my fucking work to complain about me wtf
• BIRCHMORE: Idk
• FARWELL: What do you mean you don’t know
• BIRCHMORE: I literally just woke up
• FARWELL: Did you steal from her?
• BIRCHMORE: Nope
• FARWELL: What is going on?
• FARWELL: You also told me that no one knew about us yet she claimed we are fucking * * *
• BIRCHMORE: It’s literally nothing
• FARWELL: It’s not nothing she called my job that’s insane. * * *
• FARWELL: Why would she call and drop my fucking name Sandra? Like what do I have to do with you not giving her something? * * *
• FARWELL: Like you have no idea how bad what she did is * * *
• FARWELL: I literally can’t believe this is even real life like what else do I have to worry about now? Which other friend will do something tomorrow?
• January 21, 2021: 
• Sandra called her friend and told her that she didn’t respond to her because she had hit her head on her car door and then again on the pavement and had to go to the hospital.
• January 22, 2021: 
• Sandra had an ultrasound.
• January 23, 2021: 
• Sandra Birchmore and a friend went to Walmart to buy a baby stroller for Birchmore’s future child. Sandra Birchmore was excited about the baby and asked her to be the child’s godmother. In the conversation Sandra Birchmore told her the day prior, Matthew Farwell had gotten angry with her for showing him a fetal sonogram and he said “that’s not my child. I don’t want anything really to do with you,” and then Matthew Farwell pushed her to the ground.
• January 24, 2021: 
• Matthew Farwell request for a key for Birchmore’s apartment in which Sandra gave him the pass code to her building’s front door and told him, “I have your key too when you want it”. Sandra Birchmore payed $2.00 to have a key copied at a11:10 a.m. Sandra Birchmore indicated that she was surprised that Farwell had a sudden change about the pregnancy: 
  
• Farwell was now requesting a key to her apartment:
• FRIEND: Did it go good with him
• BIRCHMORE: I got hit with a shocker question. Can I call you
• BIRCHMORE: So what really well surprisingly him he asked if he could have a key I am basically said he’ll be around as long as I keep it a secret and don’t tell anybody
• BIRCHMORE: But he did admit that I do have the upper hand in the situation Which isn’t a good thing but I’m trying to and not be that person if you know what I mean
• FRIEND: I get it are you gonna give him a key
• BIRCHMORE: I just made a copy of it yeah
• FRIEND: That’s good
• BIRCHMORE: I’m not gonna give it to him yet but he also brought me a Ginger ale last night like I asked him to
• FRIEND: He’s coming around
• BIRCHMORE: A lot more than I thought he was going to yes
• BIRCHMORE: I still have to verify the pin for him to get into the apartment if he rings me and I don’t answer
• BIRCHMORE: But like last night he open my closet door for some thing and then he went in my bathroom looking at my bathroom and then I have a dolly in my living room that he asked why I had it was just really odd he started looking around I don’t know
• FRIEND: That’s weird
• BIRCHMORE: Yeah it was really weird
• January 29, 2021: 
• Matthew Farewell asked Sandra if the code was the general one given to the entire building, not just one assigned to her.
• January 30, 2021: 
• Birchmore asks Farwell if she can tell him some of the baby names that she is considering. Farwell says that he would rather discuss that in person. 
• January 31, 2021: 
• Sandra saw a Therapist. During this session, she was screened for depression and suicidal ideation and Therapist concluded no signs of depression or suicidal ideation.
• 11:57 AM Sandra spoke with Daniel J.
• 7:16 PM Sandra called Danilel.
• February 1, 2021: 
• 12:19 PM Birchmore sent Matthew Farwell text messages indicating that she was going to be released early (at 12:35 p.m.) from her job at the Sharon Public Schools. Matthew Farwell told her that he would not be in the area that day.
• 12:35 PM: School Released Early, Once home Sandra Birchmore ordered baby items. She used her computer, Birchmore had been taking classes in preparation for applying to nursing school. Source FBI Affidavit 
• 1:25p.m. She planned for newborn baby photos, an official pregnancy announcement, which she planned to do on Valentine’s Day, as well as a gender reveal. She also made plans for her more immediate future, scheduling an OBGYN appointment for February 10, 2021, has a load of wet clothes in the washing machine and another load dry in the dryer.
• 1:31 PM booking a newborn photography shoot
• 5:01 p.m., Sandra received a DoorDash order, and then went outside
• 5:31 p.m, Sandra going outside with a snow brush
• 5:33 p.m Sandra returning with a snow brush and its The last time Birchmore is seen alive on the video is on February 1, 2021, at 5:33 p.m.
• 7:57 p.m. Birchmore texted a friend to obtain baby clothes from her
• 8:25 p.m Birchmore performed a Google search for “Cubby Kids” furniture
  
• Sandra was doing laundry – she the key, Matthew Farwell phone.
• 9:00 PM Sandra spoke with a coworker asking to help shovel out her car during the impending snowstorm.
• 9:03 PM that evening, she sent a message via Snapchat to inquire about a work schedule.
• 9:08 p.m Matthew Farwell sent Birchmore a text message asking whether he could “come by for a second.”
• 9:10 p.m., Birchmore sent Matthew Farwell a text message indicating that when he arrived at her apartment, the door would be open for him. This is the last known outgoing message sent from Sandra’s cell phone.
• 9:13 PM Sandra sent a final text message to Matthew Farwell stating that the door was unlocked
• 9:14 PM, Matthew Farwell was seen entering Sandra’s apartment building.
• 9:28 PM Sandra’s coworker replied to the Snapchat message at 9:28 PM, but Sandra did not open the message.
• 9:43 PM Matthew Farwell was seen exiting Sandra’s lobby at 9:43 PM

On February 1, 2021 9:08 p.m, Farwell texted Birchmore to inform her that he was on his way to her apartment. Despite being known for resisting COVID-19 mask mandates, he entered her apartment wearing a face mask. Once inside, Farwell murdered Birchmore, the 23-year-old pregnant woman he had exploited for years, by strangling her to death. Surveillance footage captured him leaving her apartment just minutes after committing the crime.

February 2, 2021 – 9:25 a.m.
On the morning of February 2, 2021, at 9:25 a.m., Michelle Farwell gave birth to a baby boy at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, a well-regarded medical center located in a suburb about 12 miles outside of Boston. Her husband, Matthew Farwell, was by her side for the birth of their son an event that would typically mark a joyful and intimate moment in a family’s life.

But that morning came under a cloud of growing concern. Just hours earlier, on February 1, surveillance cameras had captured Matthew Farwell entering the apartment of Sandra Birchmore.

A request for a wellness check on Sandra Birchmore led to the tragic discovery of her body in her Canton, Massachusetts, apartment on February 4, 2021

On February 4, 2021 – Birchmore fails to show up for work, and a colleague calls the police.

• 10:00 AM – School officials contacted the School Resource Officer to check on Sandra Birchmore, who had missed a few days of work.
• 10:30 AM – Officers Cotard, Brady, and Yeaton responded to 3307 Windsor Woods Way to make contact with Sandra. When they arrived, no one answered the door. 
• 10:45 AM – While assisting SRO Brady, officers spoke with Canton Woods Property Manager Erin Porter and confirmed that Sandra Birchmore resided in apartment #3307. Ms. Porter stated she had not seen or heard from Sandra in several days. She also mentioned that another resident had expressed concern regarding Sandra’s absence. At officers’ request, Ms. Porter attempted to contact Sandra using the phone number on file but was unsuccessful both calls went directly to voicemail. Officers advised Ms. Porter that they would attempt to make contact with Sandra at her apartment directly.
• 11:00 AM – Sandra’s vehicle was in the apartment complex parking lot, covered in snow and had not been moved since the snowfall on Monday, February 1, 2021. Property manager, who provided a key to access the apartment.
• 11:46 AM, Officers found Sandra in the bedroom, deceased with a black strap around her neck, tied to the bedroom closet door. Sandra was 10 weeks pregnant and The cause of death was determined to be suicide.  Report  Updated Report p104
• 12:44 PM Within about an hour of officers responding, local law enforcement notifies the medical examiner there is “no foul play at the time of the report.”  Report
• ME’s office accepted jurisdiction Case #2021-2032 assigned. Zach Clark #4097 from Crime Scene Services documented the victim and the scene with digital photographs.
• The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. TI1e cause and manner of death are pending further study.  Report
• 7:03 PM State investigators submit a report labeling the case “Birchmore/Suicide/Canton.”
• That report notes antidepressant medications at the scene, but omits other critical facts later identified by federal prosecutors.
• Note:According to the later federal filing, the medical examiner was not told about a broken necklace found down the front of Birchmore’s body, evidence prosecutors say was consistent with a struggle, and the necklace was not preserved for the medical examiner to inspect.

Video from the apartment complex showed a man entering the lobby of Sandra’s building. Note: Detectives learned from maintenance worker Michael that the person in the video looked like the man who helped Sandra move into her apartment.

February 4, 2021  Crime Scene 

Responding Officers Timeline:

11:00 a.m. 

• Canton Police officers were dispatched to 3307 Windsor Woods Way, Canton, Massachusetts, to conduct a well-being check on Sandra Birchmore at the request of Sharon Police and Sharon Public Schools. 
• Responding officers included Patrolman Charles Yeaton, Officer Ensley Cotard, and Officer Mike Brady.
• Property manager Erin Porter provided officers with a key to enter the apartment.
• Upon entry, officers found Sandra Birchmore seated on the bedroom floor with a scarf or strap around her neck, secured to the bedroom closet door handle.
• Officers observed lividity and discoloration, indicating she had been deceased for an extended period.
• Sgt. Michael Lank, the shift supervisor responded to the scene, ordered the scene secured and notified the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office (CPAC).

11:09 a.m.

• Canton Police Detective Jonathan McCourt responded to the apartment for the well-being check.
• He was informed by first responding officers that Birchmore was deceased and appeared to have hanged herself.
• He observed Birchmore in a seated position with a dark-colored strap tied to the bedroom closet door handle.
• He observed no visible trauma or defensive abrasions on her hands.

11:46 a.m.

• Canton Firefighter and Paramedic Daniel Whitley arrived on scene and pronounced Sandra Birchmore deceased.
• No life-saving measures were taken.

Shortly After Initial Response
Massachusetts State Police and CPAC Response

• Trooper Mike Dunn, assigned to CPAC, responded to the scene.
• Trooper Zach Clark, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services, responded to process and photograph the scene.
• Additional Massachusetts State Police personnel arrived from CPAC.
• A supplemental narrative later identified Trooper Matt Dunne and Trooper Kevin Tufts as CPAC responders.
• Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services personnel processed and documented the apartment.

12:44 p.m.

• The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was contacted.
• OCME Intake Specialist Mercedes Robinson accepted jurisdiction over the death.
• The case was assigned OCME Case No. 2021-2032.

Scene Details:

Police Report: When officers entered Sandra Birchmore’s apartment on February 4, 2021, they found a living space in disarray.

• The small apartment was cluttered and unkempt, and two cats roamed inside.
• The bedroom door was closed, and upon opening it, officers noted a desk lamp and colored Christmas lights glowing softly around the window both still turned on.
• The bed was unmade, consisting of a simple sheet over a mattress and an exposed box spring.
• On the bed, officers found Sandra’s eyeglasses, and scattered nearby was a U.S. Army ACU-pattern duffel bag, a subtle reminder of her brief military service.
• The most harrowing discovery lay on the floor of the bedroom, where Sandra was found seated, lifeless, with a scarf or strap tightly affixed around her neck. Note: Accounts from first responders varied some referred to it as a scarf, others as a strap but all agreed it was secured to the bedroom closet door handle.
• There were no visible signs of trauma to her head, nor were there defensive injuries on her hands. Note: However, Officer Ensley Cotard noted a large pool of dried blood around her mouth. The blue skin discoloration and lividity suggested Sandra had been deceased for a prolonged period before discovery.
• Her cell phone was found on the floor, about 12 inches from her right hand and 6 inches from her bent right knee.
• She was wearing the same clothing she had been seen wearing on surveillance video when she entered her apartment on February 1, 2021, at approximately 5:33 p.m.
• State Police Trooper Matthew Dunne documented that there were no signs of physical abuse no bruising, swelling, or external trauma that might suggest a struggle.
• Members of the Medical Examiner’s Office, Chris Adams and Caitlyn Bulger, took custody of her body.
• As part of the investigation, hair and fingernail clippings, clothing, and swabs from her body were collected for a sexual assault kit.
• Zach Clark #4097 from Crime Scene Services documented the victim and the scene with digital photographs.
• The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. TI1e cause and manner of death are pending further study.
• Later: A toxicology report confirmed the presence of Sertraline, a commonly prescribed antidepressant.

Devices: Sandra Birchmore’s Phone & Health Data Activity

• Sandra’s phone was locked after she sent a final text message to Matthew Farwell stating that the door was unlocked on February 1, 2021 – 9:13 p.m.
• Sandra’s cell phone was found on the floor:
• Approximately 12 inches from her right hand
• About 6 inches from her bent right knee
• She was wearing from same clothing seen on surveillance footage at this exact moment.
• He is later seen leaving the building at approximately 9:43 State Police Trooper Matthew Dunne
• Post 9:40 p.m. – No Further Activity
• No additional movement or steps were recorded by Sandra’s phone after 9:40 p.m..
• The phone remained inactive until it was recovered by first responders on February 1, 2021ul>
• These recorded steps occurred while Matthew Farwell was still in Sandra Birchmore’s apartment. The phone recorded no addition p.m. and the time it was recovered by first responders on February 4, 2021.
• Occurred just minutes before Farwell exited the apartment building 

Sandra’s family members found a significant detail overlooked in initial reports:

• A broken necklace on the bedroom floor. It was a thin gold chain with a pink flamingo charm a piece known to belong to Sandra. The chain was broken, not at the clasp, and had a large clump of hair entangled in it.
• Crime scene photos showed that the necklace was still inside the apartment and blue skin discoloration indicated she had been deceased for an extended period.

February 6, 2021

• 3:10 PM: State Police interview Matthew Farwell: 
• Massachusetts State Police interview Matthew Farwell in the parking lot of a Stoughton elementary school.
• Farwell admits to a sexual relationship with Birchmore but falsely claims it began in 2020.
  He denies paternity of her unborn child, stating last intercourse was in Oct 2020; records contradict this: Text messages prove he visited her on January 29, 2021.
• Farwell claims he hadn’t seen her for a week before her death, except for February 1, 2021 visit. 
• Farwell claims Birchmore had been “sectioned” several times. Records show she was only once hospitalized, in May 2020, after a family argument. Evaluated and released the same day.
• Sandra’s Mother’s Cousin
• Last saw Birchmore in person approximately two weeks before her death, when they spoke about her pregnancy.
• Believed the baby’s father had a key to Sandra’s apartment.
• Birchmore was not open to adoption and did not name the father.
• Said Birchmore had babysat for the man’s children, possibly recently.
• Could not obtain many details about the relationship.
• Detectives Interviewed Sandra’s Friend
• Recalled having breakfast and a long conversation with Sandra.
• Confirmed Sandra’s history in law enforcement-related youth programs: “Respect” program at age 8, Junior Officer at age 13.
• Stated Sandra began a relationship with Matthew Farwell at age 15.
• Claimed Billy Farwell (Matthew’s twin) had told Matthew’s wife about the affair.
• Sandra said Matthew’s wife confronted him, but he denied it.
• Sandra told this friend she was pressuring Matthew Farwell to sign the birth certificate.
• Interview with a Friend
• Knew Sandra since they were 7 or 8 years old from a mother-child bonding program; later played volleyball together. Reconnected in summer 2020.
• Sandra had asked if she could move in, citing issues with her aunt selling their shared home and concern over pet care.
• Around December 12, 2020, Birchmore said she was pregnant and that the father was a married Stoughton detective, whom she did not name. Claimed he planned to divorce his wife but couldn’t due to COVID-19.
• Birchmore said she told him about the pregnancy just after Christmas, and he reacted negatively.
• Sandra said he told her: I wish you would kill yourself” or “I wish you were dead.” Note: 9:18 p.m. – Screenshot Logged.
• Birchmore wanted the father’s last name on the birth certificate and for him to be present in the delivery room. She said, “If he can be in the delivery room with his wife, then he can be there for me.”
• Around January 8, 2021, Birchmore had a second argument with the father. This friend had loaned Sandra money; when she asked for repayment:
• On January 16, 2021, Sandra promised to send $150 but did not follow through.
• Birchmore later claimed she was hospitalized after hitting her head on her car door and pavement.
• On January 20, 2021, this friend called Stoughton Police to report the debt.
• She was Told the matter was civil; she then mentioned Birchmore was involved with an officer.
• Shortly after, Sandra called her, apparently aware of the report.
• Interview with Ex-Wife of Sandra’s Mother’s Cousin
• Birchmore was distressed over her aunt selling the house and said the pregnancy would be an “uphill battle.”
• Said the father was a detective with two kids and a pregnant wife due in February.
• Noted that both the father and Sandra’s mother were twins, and they discussed the possibility of twins. After an ultrasound, Sandra confirmed it was a single pregnancy.
• Sandra expressed strong desire for the father’s involvement but didn’t want his wife to find out.
• They also discussed daycare, a baby shower, and parenting plans.
• In January 2021, Birchmore told her she was pregnant but said the father was a “close friend.”
• On January 22, 2021, Birchmore claimed she had undergone multiple ultrasounds.
• Birchmore also shared drama involving the Stoughton Police Department, specifically claiming the chief was mistreating a particular officer.
• 10:58 AM Interview with Daniel J.
• Last spoke with Birchmore on Sunday, January 31, at 11:57 AM, and received a missed call at 7:16 PM that evening.
• Met Birchmore in late 2020 while both were taking classes at Massasoit.
• Spoke with her almost daily.
• Birchmore claimed she was about 12 weeks pregnant and planned to announce it publicly on February 14.
• She also said she was upset the baby’s father wanted children with his wife but not with her.
• Reported that while the father had raised his voice, she was unaware of any physical abuse.
• Birchmore also mentioned a court case involving a car crash.
• Detectives Interviewed Sandra’s Mother’s Cousin
• Last saw Birchmore in person approximately two weeks before her death, when they spoke about her pregnancy.
• Believed the baby’s father had a key to Sandra’s apartment.
• Birchmore was not open to adoption and did not name the father.
• Said Birchmore had babysat for the man’s children, possibly recently.
• Could not obtain many details about the relationship.
• Detectives Interviewed Sandra’s Friend
• Recalled having breakfast and a long conversation with Sandra.
• Confirmed Sandra’s history in law enforcement-related youth programs: “Respect” program at age 8, Junior Officer at age 13.
• Stated Sandra began a relationship with Matthew Farwell at age 15.
• Claimed Billy Farwell (Matthew’s twin) had told Matthew’s wife about the affair.
• Sandra said Matthew’s wife confronted him, but he denied it.
• Sandra told this friend she was pressuring Matthew Farwell to sign the birth certificate.
• Interview with Another Close Friend
• Knew Sandra since they were 7 or 8 years old from a mother-child bonding program; later played volleyball together.
• Reconnected in summer 2020.
• Sandra had asked if she could move in, citing issues with her aunt selling their shared home and concern over pet care.
• On December 12, 2020, Birchmore said she was pregnant and that the father was a married Stoughton detective, whom she did not name.
• Claimed he planned to divorce his wife but couldn’t due to COVID-19.
• Birchmore said she told him about the pregnancy just after Christmas, and he reacted negatively.
• Sandra said he told her, “I wish you would kill yourself” or “I wish you were dead.”
• Birchmore wanted the father’s last name on the birth certificate and for him to be present in the delivery room.
• She said, “If he can be in the delivery room with his wife, then he can be there for me.”
• January 8, 2021, Birchmore had a second argument with the father.
• This friend had loaned Sandra money; when she asked for repayment:
• January 16, 2021, Sandra promised to send $150 but did not follow through.
• Birchmore later claimed she was hospitalized after hitting her head on her car door and pavement.
• On January 20, 2021, this friend called Stoughton Police to report the debt.
• Told the matter was civil; she then mentioned Birchmore was involved with an officer.
• Shortly after, Sandra called her, apparently aware of the report.
• Interview with Ex-Wife of Sandra’s Mother’s Cousin
• Birchmore was distressed over her aunt selling the house and said the pregnancy would be an “uphill battle.”
• Said the father was a detective with two kids and a pregnant wife due in February.
• Noted that both the father and Sandra’s mother were twins, and they discussed the possibility of twins.
• After an ultrasound, Sandra confirmed it was a single pregnancy.
• Sandra expressed strong desire for the father’s involvement but didn’t want his wife to find out.
• They also discussed daycare, a baby shower, and parenting plans.

February 8, 2021

• Holmes authored the Internal Affairs report header memorandum. Holmes documented that the report would later be completed and submitted on August 29, 2022.
• Holmes noted an understanding with Massachusetts State Police that if evidence of criminal culpability involving anyone connected to the case was discovered, it would be referred to MSP.
• Holmes stated Chief McNamara received weekly updates pursuant to department policy.
• Holmes stated there was an early decision not to disclose certain allegations to identified employees to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

February 9, 2021: 

• Interview with childhood friend:
• Knew Sandra for 17 years.
• Reconnected a month earlier via Facetime after ~2 years of no contact.
• Birchmore said she was pregnant but unsure of the father.
• Sandra Admitted to sleeping with twin brothers, one or both of whom she claimed were police officers.
• 2:00 PM: 
• Detectives met with Matthew Farwell at the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office in Canton.
• Farwell Cell Phone: After retaining his personal phone for three days, Farwell declines consent for a full search of the device. He later consents only to a limited search of messages between himself and Birchmore.
• Farwell says he had already deleted those messages after breaking up with Birchmore on February 1, 2021.

February 11, 2021: 

• 4:05 PM: Interview with William Farwell (Matthew’s twin brother) by Massachusetts State Police:
• William Farwell Stated he met Sandra ~10 years earlier through the Police Explorers program, where he was a guest instructor.
• In 2018, while working a paid detail, Sandra approached him to talk about joining the Army.
• He referred her to a Jason Thomas Pickard Army Recruiter, and they began talking regularly.
• Admitted to having a relationship with Sandra spanning roughly two years.

February 12, 2021: 

• Interview with co-worker of Sandra Birchmore:
• Reconnected around age 17–18; attended volleyball sessions together.
• Sandra disclosed she was involved with a married man—the baby’s father.
• Reported he was unhappy about the pregnancy.
• Argument ensued after Sandra said she would tell his wife and employer.
• He allegedly took her phone.
• Incident occurred approximately 2 weeks before Sandra’s death.
• Sandra expressed belief that he loved her more than his wife.
• Co-worker believed Sandra may have intentionally become pregnant.

February 23, 2021: Internal Affairs Case File Opened

• Deputy Chief Holmes opened an Internal Affairs case file as a collection point for the Sandra Birchmore matter. Deputy Chief Holmes entered Sandra Birchmore’s name into the department’s internal investigation database known as IMC. After reviewing all records, he administratively locked access to those records with the exception of Chief McNamara and Detective Sergeant O’Connor. He issued a verbal directive to Detective Sergeant O’Connor that if any records requests arose in reference to Sandra Birchmore, the Chief of Police was to be notified.
• Internal Affairs Findings Timeline – Source
• Case: Sandra Birchmore Case
• Agency: Stoughton Police Department
• Report: IA Report 21-1-IA
• Date: Report submitted August 29, 2022
• 2010 Sandra Birchmore joins the Stoughton Police Explorers Program at age 13.
• She is initially placed on a standby list and later becomes a full participant.
• 2011 Robert Devine assumes control of the Police Explorers Program after direction from then-Chief Manuel Cachopa.
• The program is restructured into a junior police academy model.
• Devine first meets Sandra Birchmore after she joins the program.
• April 10, 2013 Sandra Birchmore turns 15 years old.
• 2016 Birchmore graduates from Stoughton High School.
• She leaves the Explorers Program.
• 2018 William Farwell meets Birchmore when she expresses interest in joining the U.S. Army.
• He connects her with a recruiter and maintains ongoing contact.
• February 11, 2020 Text message exchanges occur between Matthew Farwell and Birchmore.
• Messages are later cited as evidence of ongoing communication while Birchmore was a minor.
• April 19, 2020 William Farwell is assigned to a midnight to 8:00 AM desk shift.
• He exchanges text messages with Birchmore beginning at 6:47 AM.
• Messages continue past the end of his shift.
• April 29, 2020 William Farwell is assigned to another midnight to 8:00 AM desk shift.
• He exchanges messages with Birchmore beginning at 4:39 AM.
• Messages continue past 8:00 AM.
• May 6, 2020 William Farwell is assigned to a midnight to 8:00 AM shift.
• He exchanges messages with Birchmore beginning at 6:42 AM.
• Messages continue until approximately 7:25 AM.
• June 7, 2020 Matthew Farwell exchanges messages with Birchmore while on duty.
• He requests that she meet him on Walnut Street.
• November 27, 2020 Robert Devine communicates with Birchmore via Facebook Messenger.
• Some communications occur while Devine is on duty.
• At least one exchange occurs while Devine is on duty on December 21, 2020.
• Messages reference plans to meet at the Chateau restaurant.
• December 21, 2020 William Farwell is assigned to a paid detail from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• He exchanges messages with Birchmore throughout the morning.
• Messages occur at 11:04 AM and 11:38 AM.
• February 4, 2021
• Canton Police conduct a well-being check at 40 Holbrook Avenue, Canton, Massachusetts.
• Sandra Birchmore is found deceased in her apartment.
• She is pronounced dead at the scene.
• February 5, 2021
• Massachusetts State Police notify Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara that Matthew Farwell had a prior romantic relationship with Birchmore.
• Chief McNamara directed Deputy Chief Holmes to open an Internal Affairs investigation into the unattended death of Sandra Birchmore. The directive included possible violations of policy, procedure, rules, or regulations by Stoughton Police Department employees.

February 6, 2021

• Matthew Farwell is interviewed by Massachusetts State Police.
• He admits to a sexual relationship with Birchmore.
• He claims he last saw her on February 1, 2021.
• He states they argued around 9:30 PM.

February 8, 2021

• Holmes authored the Internal Affairs report header memorandum.
• Holmes documented that the report would later be completed and submitted on August 29, 2022.
• Holmes noted an understanding with Massachusetts State Police that if evidence of criminal culpability involving anyone connected to the case was discovered, it would be referred to MSP.
• Holmes stated Chief McNamara received weekly updates pursuant to department policy.
• Holmes stated there was an early decision not to disclose certain allegations to identified employees to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

February 24, 2021 – Stoughton Police Department

• Detective Matthew Farwell was placed on paid administrative leave.
• Farwell turned in his issued equipment and department property pursuant to the administrative-leave memo.

February 26, 2021

• Deputy Chief Holmes retrieved an IMC access-control thumb drive belonging to Matthew Farwell.
• He retired the access and verified it was an IMC control drive.
• The thumb drive was placed into a box and secured in Holmes’s office.

March 3, 2021

• 11:00 AM Memorial service held for Sandra Birchmore Source
• Location: Immaculate Conception Church
• The service announcement included:
• “May her memory be a blessing”
• Scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00 AM
• The memorial image features:
• A personal photo of Sandra Birchmore with a cat
• A scenic background used for the announcement

March 2, 2021

• Deputy Chief Holmes prepared an inventory of property taken from Matthew Farwell.
• The inventory was retained in the Internal Affairs case file.

March 4, 2021: 

• Death Certificate issued for Sandra Birchmore.

March 15, 2021 – Internal Affairs

• Deputy Chief Holmes received communications from an individual whose name is redacted in the report.
• That individual sent documents that included:
• Letters written by Sandra Birchmore.
• Other communications authored by Birchmore.
• These materials were forwarded to Holmes to support the Internal Affairs investigation.

March 16–17, 2021 – Birchmore’s Apartment Property

• Deputy Chief Holmes documented that Sandra Birchmore’s property was recovered from her apartment.
• The property was placed into boxes.
• The boxes were turned over to the Massachusetts State Police.
• Holmes retained some potential handwritten notes that he believed might be relevant.
• He reviewed documents from the boxes, which were mainly handwritten notes to people with whom Birchmore had personal relationships.

April 26, 2021

• Farwell’s department-issued phone transferred to MSP.
• Holmes delivered Matthew Farwell’s department-issued cell phone to:
• Trooper Kevin Tufts.
• Sergeant Fanning of the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.
• This transfer was done in cooperation with the Massachusetts State Police unattended death investigation.

May 21, 2021: 

• Lab Results: The Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory tests evidence recovered from Birchmore’s apartment.
• Birchmore’s underwear tests positive for sperm cells.
• Fingernail clippings test positive for DNA.
• The ligature around Birchmore’s neck tests positive for male DNA.
• State investigators did not obtain DNA from Farwell or anyone else for comparison.
• No comparison sample available
• Cause of Death: The Massachusetts State Medical Examiner rules Sandra Birchmore’s death a suicide.
• She was 23 years old and approximately 3 months pregnant.
• A State Police investigation found no evidence of foul play.

July 30, 2021 – Evidence Review Meeting

• Deputy Chief Holmes met with:
• The District Attorney.
• The First Assistant District Attorney.
• Sergeant Fanning.
• Lieutenant Matalano.
• Trooper Matthew Dunne of the Massachusetts State Police.
• The meeting concerned the Birchmore and Farwell investigation and evidence handling.

August 2021

• Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office records indicate the office’s investigation had officially closed by at least August 2021, if not earlier.

September 3, 2021 – Evidence Thumb Drive Delivered

• Deputy Chief Holmes received a thumb drive from Sergeant Fanning of the MSP.
• The thumb drive contained evidence from the unattended-death investigation of Sandra Birchmore.
• Holmes labeled the thumb drive as “evidence” related to the victim.

September 6, 2021 – “BlacklightCaseBirchmore” PDF Created

• Another file was created that Holmes described as a PDF titled “BlacklightCaseBirchmore.”
• The file contained:
• Communications pulled from Birchmore’s computer.
• Computer screenshots.
• Emails.
• Text messages.
• Annotated communications.

September 30, 2021 – Preliminary Review of Digital Evidence

• Holmes meets with MSP Sergeant Fanning and receives a thumb drive containing evidence from the unattended death investigation. He writes that one PDF, titled “BlacklightCaseBirchmore,” contained roughly 50,000 pages of communications pulled from Birchmore’s computer, which had reportedly been synchronized with her cell phone. He notes that the material included texts, iMessages, and other communications and was difficult to review because it was not chronological and messages were duplicated. Holmes states he conducted a preliminary review of the thumb drive the same day and observed many conversations of investigative significance. Source
• Holmes emailed Chief McNamara and the Town Manager stating he would be viewing the files.

October 6, 2021 – Sandra Birchmore’s Laptop

• Deputy Chief Holmes met with Sergeant Fanning at the Office of the District Attorney.
• Sergeant Fanning provided Holmes with Sandra Birchmore’s MacBook Air laptop.
• Holmes placed the laptop into his Internal Affairs case file for later review.

November 4, 2021

• Holmes met with PI L’Italian.
• Holmes conducted a strategic review of:
• A thumb drive.
• A file titled “blacklight report 2021-09-29-22-29-52.”
• Holmes noted the file had been downloaded from Birchmore’s computer and synchronized with her phone.
• Holmes reviewed:
• Conversations involving Matthew Farwell.
• Conversations involving William Farwell.
• Photographs and videos exchanged between Birchmore and Matthew Farwell.

November 9, 2021

• Holmes reviews archived SPD Explorers Program files from 2002 to 2014.
• Records include names of officers connected to Birchmore.

November 10, 2021

• Holmes continued reviewing documents from the Explorers program files.

December 2, 2021

• Holmes met with PI L’Italian and continued the Internal Affairs investigation.

December 7, 2021

• Holmes conferred with parties whose names were redacted in the report.
• Holmes served notice that additional investigative steps were being taken.

December 21 to December 22, 2021

• Holmes communicated regarding the outcome of an interview and scheduling continuation during the week of December 27, 2021.
• Holmes met with Lieutenant Fanning and received additional data files from MSP.

January 10 to January 11, 2022

• Holmes contacted Detective Lieutenant Kenneth Heffernan of MSP Crime Scene Services.
• Holmes requested forensic analysis of a couch. (Joshua Heal)
• Holmes obtained authorization through MSP’s chain of command for assistance in the administrative investigation.
• Holmes arranged a unit response for January 14, 2022 at 10:00 hours.

January 14, 2022

• 9:45 a.m. Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory Forensic Scientist Jennifer J. Preisig arrives at 499 West Street, identified as an animal control building. Source
• Animal Control Couch Examination:
• Animal cages positioned along two sides
• A couch located near the front door
• A desk and office chair positioned near the center of the room
• Forensic Examination Methods Use of an alternate light source (ALS) to identify possible biological or trace evidence.
• Findings, Couch and Office ChairStains detected on:
• Couch
• Office chair
• Screening test results:
• Tested for the presence of biological material (presumptive testing)
• Results were negative for the targeted substance (likely blood, based on standard ALS workflow)
• Findings, Desk Area
• No stains detected on the underside of the desk using ALS examination
• Evidence Handling
• No physical evidence was submitted to the laboratory for further testing
• Report Notes
• All observations, times, and measurements are approximate.
• Additional analysis could be conducted upon request.
• Holmes met with PI L’Italian and MSP personnel, including:
• Detective Lieutenant Heffernan.
• A forensic technician.
• The planned forensic activity was conducted.

January 21, 2022

• Registered his own business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
• Obtained commercial driver’s license
• Purchased semi-truck and trailer
• Took out a 10-year business loan

January 26, 2022

• Crime laboratory report formally issued and electronically signed by:  Source
• Jennifer J. Preisig
• Forensic Scientist V, Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory

February 9, 2022

• Holmes and PI L’Italian met with a witness at Abington Town Hall.
• The witness had legal representation present.

February 17, 2022

• Holmes discussed interview notification with Patrolmen’s Union President Barber.

March 21, 2022

• Matthew Farwell submits his resignation.
• Effective date is April 1, 2022.

March 28, 2022

• Holmes left a message for a witness about scheduling an interview.
• The witness returned the call.
• The interview was scheduled for April 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
• Holmes decided he would not personally participate in the interview of Officer Robert Devine.
• PI L’Italian and PI Robert Fries were assigned to conduct Devine’s interview.

April 2, 2022

• The scheduled interview of Officer Robert Devine occurred.

April 6, 2022

• Holmes interviewed Angelique Pizozzoli at her home.
• Holmes conducted a recorded interview regarding her relationship to Birchmore and her purpose in being interviewed.

April 7, 2022

• Holmes received a text message containing a screenshot of a Facebook comments section tied to media coverage.

April 8 to April 11, 2022

• Robert Devine is interviewed by PI Paul L’Italien and Robert Pires.
• Devine denies any direct contact or relationship with Birchmore.
• Holmes attempted to contact individuals connected to the Facebook post.
• Holmes left messages to schedule interviews.
• Holmes received a voicemail indicating a witness was retaining an attorney.

April 12, 2022

• Chief McNamara called William Farwell by phone.
• William Farwell reported to the police station.
• William Farwell retrieved department equipment.
• Patrolmen’s Union President Barber was present.

May 2, 2022

• Holmes received a report of a potential August 2021 crime involving Matthew Farwell.
• Holmes conducted a recorded interview.
• Holmes stopped the interview and contacted MSP.
• Holmes downloaded the recording and saved it to a thumb drive.

May 3, 2022

• Holmes contacted Trooper Kathleen Prince.
• Holmes hand-delivered an information packet to Trooper Prince at the Canton office of the Norfolk County District Attorney.

May 17, 2022

• Holmes met with Lieutenant Fanning and PI Michael Bates.
• The group met at the Massachusetts Police Training Council facility in Randolph for strategy and planning.
• Holmes identified a Facebook Messenger thread believed to belong to Officer Robert Devine.

June 9, 2022

• Holmes requested a CJIS offline audit of all users who queried Sandra Birchmore or her vehicle.
• Holmes coordinated interviews and union notifications.

June 10, 2022

• Holmes received CJIS audit results.
• Holmes reviewed the results and shared them with PI L’Italian.

June 23, 2022

• Holmes documented a social media allegation involving a Stoughton police officer.
• Holmes attempted to contact the user.
• Holmes logged the post as an exhibit.

July 21, 2022

• Holmes emailed William Farwell notice of an investigatory interview.
• Holmes received acknowledgment from MassCOP attorney Patrick Bryant.

July 31, 2022

• William Farwell resigned Source

August 16, 2022

• Robert Devine resigns from the Stoughton Police Department.

August 25, 2022

• Holmes received Robert Devine’s written response to mailed questions.
• Holmes rejected Devine’s claim that his accounts were hacked.
• Holmes completed a credibility assessment and maintained his findings.

August 29, 2022

• Deputy Chief Holmes submits Internal Affairs Report 21-1-IA.
• Findings sustain multiple violations against all three former officers.

Sustained Findings by Officer:

Matthew Farwell

• Conduct unbecoming an officer.
• Improper relationship with a minor.
• Lack of sound judgment.
• Failure of attention and devotion to duty.
• Untruthfulness during a State Police interview.

William Farwell

• Conduct unbecoming an officer.
• Improper communications while on duty.
• Lack of sound judgment.
• Failure of attention and devotion to duty.
• Untruthfulness during a State Police interview.
• Improper use of departmental computer systems.

Robert Devine

• Lack of sound judgment.
• Untruthfulness during an Internal Affairs interview.
• Failure of attention and devotion to duty.

Investigation Scope and Methodology

• Parallel coordination with Massachusetts State Police.

Review of:

• Text messages
• Facebook Messenger communications
• Department attendance records
• Paid detail logs
• Explorers Program records
• Electronic device data
• Handwritten notes from Birchmore’s residence

Status

• All three officers resigned prior to formal disciplinary action.
• No criminal charges were filed based on the Internal Affairs findings.
• Administrative findings were finalized on August 29, 2022.

Notes:

• This page reflects only administrative findings.
• Criminal investigations were conducted separately by Massachusetts State Police and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.
• Redactions remain in the public version of the Internal Affairs report.
• End of Internal Affairs Findings Timeline

Internal Affairs Findings Timeline – Source

• Case: Sandra Birchmore Case
• Agency: Stoughton Police Department
• Report: IA Report 21-1-IA
• Date: Report submitted August 29, 2022

Overview

This timeline documents the administrative investigation conducted by the Town of Stoughton Police Department into the conduct of three former officers, Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, and Robert Devine, in connection with Sandra Birchmore.

The investigation was led by Deputy Chief Kevin Holmes and was designated Internal Affairs Case 21-1-IA. It examined policy violations, misconduct, improper relationships, untruthfulness, and misuse of departmental resources. The inquiry ran parallel to the Massachusetts State Police death investigation into Birchmore’s death in Canton, Massachusetts.

Sustained Findings by Officer:

• Matthew Farwell
• Conduct unbecoming an officer.
• Improper relationship with a minor.
• Lack of sound judgment.
• Failure of attention and devotion to duty.
• Untruthfulness during a State Police interview.
• William Farwell
• Conduct unbecoming an officer.
• Improper communications while on duty.
• Lack of sound judgment.
• Failure of attention and devotion to duty.
• Untruthfulness during a State Police interview.
• Improper use of departmental computer systems.
• Robert Devine
• Lack of sound judgment.
• Untruthfulness during an Internal Affairs interview.
• Failure of attention and devotion to duty.

Investigation Scope and Methodology

• Parallel coordination with Massachusetts State Police.
• Review of:
• Text messages
• Facebook Messenger communications
• Department attendance records
• Paid detail logs
• Explorers Program records
• Electronic device data
• Handwritten notes from Birchmore’s residence
• Status
• All three officers resigned prior to formal disciplinary action.
• No criminal charges were filed based on the Internal Affairs findings.
• Administrative findings were finalized on August 29, 2022.
• Notes: End of Internal Affairs Findings Timeline

2020 Investigation Timeline:

• Apr–Dec 2020 William Farwell exchanged sexually explicit texts with Sandra Birchmore, including nude photos and videos of his wife and others.
• Apr 10, 2020 Matthew Farwell texted Birchmore that he would “sneak away from work,” reflecting a pattern of meeting her while on duty.
• Spring 2020 Sandra became pregnant but suffered a miscarriage, deepening her grief.
• May 19, 2020 Police conducted a well-being check after Sandra argued with family and was reported suicidal. She was hospitalized, evaluated, and released.
• May 24, 2020 Ambulance brought Sandra to a hospital after she was found unconscious, likely from anxiety.
• Sep 2020 Sandra applied for housing and secured her own apartment.
• Oct 2020 Began working at East Elementary School, Sharon. Moved with Matthew Farwell’s assistance. His behavior became more controlling.
• Oct 5, 2020 Joshua Heal told Sandra that Farwell’s wife was pregnant with a third child (due Feb 2021). Sandra drafted a message to Farwell’s wife threatening to reveal their 10-year affair.
• Oct 12, 2020 Sandra confronted Farwell, demanding he have a child with her or she would expose him.
• Oct 14, 2020 Sandra offered Farwell a key to her new Canton apartment; he declined.
• Nov 3 & 5, 2020 Sandra pressed Farwell about having a baby; suggested he sign a birth certificate to “keep her safe.” Farwell deferred discussion.
• Nov 24, 2020 Sandra asked if Farwell would be on duty during a planned meeting. He replied yes.
• Nov 27, 2020 Sandra chatted with Robert Devine (aka Marty Riggs) via Facebook.
• Dec 21, 2020 Devine (on duty) messaged Sandra to meet him at the Chateau restaurant.
• Late Dec, 2020 Sandra informed Farwell she was pregnant again. He lashed out, telling her, “I wish you would kill yourself.”
• Dec 28, 2020 Sandra texted Farwell a pregnancy announcement poster, saying she was 3½ weeks pregnant. They argued fiercely. Farwell called her “the worst person on the face of the earth.”
• Dec 29, 2020 Sandra told Farwell their in-person talk made her feel “scared” and “uncomfortable,” fearing he might hit her.
• Dec 30, 2020 Sandra went to a salon to prepare for New Year’s Eve.

2021 Investigation Timeline:

• Jan 3–6, 2021 Sandra asked Matthew Farwell about giving their child his last name, ultrasound dates, and family plans. He refused to discuss by text, insisting on in-person talks.
• Jan 8, 2021 Sandra and Farwell met at her apartment; an argument turned physical. She said he shoved her and put her in a chokehold before she kicked him out.
• Jan 9, 2021 Sandra told Joshua Heal that Farwell wished she “would die,” denied the baby, and assaulted her. Heal warned her to stay away, noting Farwell’s power as a police officer.
• Jan 10, 2021 Sandra met William Farwell for a sexual encounter in her apartment parking lot.
• Jan (mid), 2021 Sandra confided to friends that Farwell had been violent, pushing her down after she showed him a sonogram. She continued buying baby items and asked a friend to be the godmother.
• Jan 16, 2021 Dispute with a friend over unpaid money.
• Jan 20, 2021 That friend called Stoughton Police to report Sandra’s sexual relationship with Farwell. A department employee shared the tip with Farwell, who angrily texted Sandra: “Your f—ing friend called my job.”
• Jan 21, 2021 Sandra told friends about recent violence. She bought a baby stroller, made pregnancy plans, and excitedly discussed her child’s future.
• Jan 24–29, 2021 Farwell visited Sandra, brought her ginger ale, and asked for a key. Sandra had a copy made and gave him the building passcode. Farwell searched her apartment, inspecting her closet and bathroom.
• Jan 30–31, 2021 Sandra asked Farwell about baby names; he deferred. She ordered baby items, planned newborn photos, gender reveal, and booked an OBGYN appointment for Feb 10. On Jan 31, a therapist screened her and found no signs of depression or suicidal ideation.

February 1, 2021 – Final Day

• 12:19–1:31 p.m. Released early from her school job; ordered baby items, booked a newborn photo shoot, and planned Valentine’s Day announcements.
• 5:00–5:30 p.m. Seen on surveillance at her Canton apartment (DoorDash delivery; retrieving snow brush).
• 7:57–9:03 p.m. Texted friends about baby clothes, searched online for furniture, and messaged coworkers about schedules.
• 9:08 p.m. Farwell texted asking if he could “come by for a second.” Sandra replied that the door would be open.
• 9:13 p.m. Sandra sent her last message: “The door is unlocked.”
• 9:14 p.m. Farwell entered the building during a snowstorm, wearing a mask. He strangled Sandra, staging the scene to look like suicide (duffel bag strap tied to closet doorknob).
• 9:40–9:43 p.m. Sandra’s health app logged final steps; Farwell left the apartment minutes later.

February 2, 2021

• 9:25 a.m. The next morning, Michelle Farwell gave birth to her and Matthew Farwell’s third child at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

February 4, 2021 – Discovery:

• 10:00 AM – school officials contacted the School Resource Officer to check on Sandra Birchmore, who had missed a few days of work.
• 10:00 AM – Officers Cotard, Brady, and Yeaton responded to 3307 Windsor Woods Way to make contact with Sandra. When they arrived, no one answered the door. Sandra’s vehicle was in the apartment complex parking lot, covered in snow and had not been moved since the snowfall on Monday, 2/1/21. The officers spoke with a property manager, who provided a key to access the apartment.
• 11:46 AM, Officers found Sandra in the bedroom, deceased with a black strap around her neck, tied to the bedroom closet door. Sandra was 10 weeks pregnant and The cause of death was determined to be suicide.  Report  Updated Report p104
• 12:44 PM ME’s office accepted jurisdiction Case #2021-2032 assigned.  Report

Video from the apartment complex showed a man entering the lobby of Sandra’s building. Detectives learned from maintenance worker Michael that the person in the video looked like the man who helped Sandra move into her apartment.

• As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Sandra had been victimized by those who were supposed to protect her.
• The man seen entering her apartment that night was Detective Matthew Farwell, the same man who had groomed, manipulated, and abused her for nearly a decade.
• The revelations that followed exposed a deeply troubling culture within the Stoughton Police Department, leaving a community in shock and raising questions that would haunt those who knew Sandra for years to come.
• In the weeks before her death, Sandra confided in friends that Farwell had assaulted her during discussions about her pregnancy.
• His disturbing fascination with violence against women was further revealed when investigators recovered incriminating images from his iCloud account.
• Canton Police Incident Report (Sudden Death)
• Time of Discovery: February 4, 2021, at approximately 11:00 a.m.
• Discovered By: Officers responding to a well-being check requested by Sharon Public Schools
• Victim: Sandra Birchmore (DOB: May 13, 1997, age 23)
• Location: 3307 Windsor Woods Way, Canton
• Cause of Death: Found seated on floor, dark strap/scarf tied to closet door handle, no signs of struggle; pronounced deceased at 11:46 a.m.
• Last Seen on Camera: January 31, 2021, at 4:41 p.m., returning to building
• Property Manager Erin Porter’s Observations: Video surveillance, concerning call from Tina Thompson indicating Sandra was dating a police officer and the officer threatened “to take care of the problem himself”

February 5, 2021: 

• Canton PD Sergeant received an e-mail from a witness who related she had information regarding Sandra Birchmore’s death.
• This information was passed to MSP for action.
• Sandra Birchmore’s aunt, stated she was aware that Sandra was pregnant and that the father of the baby was Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell.

February 6, 2021 

• Canton PD detectives conducted follow-up investigation at Windsor Woods and interviewed a witness who advised Canton PD detectives that Birchmore was involved in an intimate relationship with a police officer, who was alleged to be the father of her unborn child.
• Canton PD detectives received information from a second witness who said Ms. Birchmore had been dating a police officer, who did not want the baby, and if Ms. Birchmore did not get an abortion, he  would take care of the problem himself.
• Canton PD and MSP coordinated a second review of video footage at Windsor Woods.
• After the review of video footage investigators identified a male subject, (later identified as Stoughton Police Detective Matthew Farwell) arrive at Windsor Woods on February 1, 2021, at 9:27 p.m. and departed at 9:56 p.m.
• Farwell was observed entering the apartment complex lobby and entering 2025 On-Site Audit of the Canton Police Department Page 101 the elevator.
• Video revealed Mr. Farwell was at Windsor Woods for approximately 28 minutes. See  Video
• Canton PD and MSP conducted a second search of Ms. Birchmore’s apartment.

February 8, 2021 Internal Affairs Investigation – Stoughton PD  Report

• Report Filed by: Deputy Chief Holmes
• Scope: Investigated policy violations by SPD employees relating to Sandra Birchmore

February 11, 2021

• William Farwell was interviewed by the Massachusetts State Police as part of the Sandra Birchmore death investigation.
• During the interview, Willian Farwell stated that he first met Sandra “about ten years earlier” when she was in the “Explorer” program and he was a guest instructor.
• In 2018, while he was assigned to a paid detail, Sandra approached him, and they began to talk about her interest in joining the Army. Farwell put her in touch with Jason Thomas Pickard Army recruiter, and Sandra began to contact him regularly.
• William Farwell admitted during his State Police interview that he and Sandra had relationships going back about two years.

February 17, 2021 MSP Redacted  Report

• Redacted Interviews and Logs: Includes timelines, communications analysis, and interviews with coworkers, family, and other witnesses. Additional Names Noted:
• Alexander Stenstrom: Friend of Sandra, seen on surveillance footage entering building post-mortem
• Tina Thompson: Called property manager to warn that Sandra’s death was preceded by threats from a police officer
• Cellebrite Data: Full download and analysis from Sandra’s synced devices; thousands of texts retrieved
• Victim Background: Known to fabricate stories occasionally, aggressive when upset, but maintained steady communication with friends

May 21, 2021: 

• The state medical examiner determined that Birchmore, who was 23 years old and three months pregnant at the time, died by suicide. A subsequent State Police investigation found no evidence of foul play.  Death Certificate Issued on March 4, 2021
• Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory:
• Collected and tested evidence from Sandra Birchmore’s apartment
• DNA was identified on multiple items, including:
• Ligature around her neck
• Underwear
• Fingernail clippings
• At that time:
• DNA was detected, including male DNA on the ligature
• No comparison sample existed, so no suspect could be identifi

August 2021:

• William Farwell placed on military leave to serve in the Middle East with an Army National Guard

October 6, 2021, 

• Detective met with Sergeant Fanning at the Office of the District Attorney and received Sandra Birchmore’s MacBook Air from Sergeant Fanning.

November 4, 2021,

• Detectives identified, observed, and discussed conversations from Sandra’s laptop between Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, and a recruiter from the MA Army

December 21, 2021, 

• Detectives interviewed Joshua Heal regarding the Sandra Birchmore investigation. Heal denied any sexual involvement. After approximately 30 minutes of questioning, he requested to stop the interview in order to consult legal counsel.

December 22, 2021,

• Detectives reviewed Stoughton Animal Control Shelter records in an attempt to locate pet adoption documents for Sandra Birchmore. No such documents were found.
• Cellebrite export of Birchmore’s data received from MSP. 

2022-10-12 Investigation  File

• Contents Include:
• Digital forensic analyses
• Copies of internal memos and interviews
• Summarized evidence timeline
• Details consistent with and expanding upon the internal affairs report
• Investigators involved: Robert Fries, Paul L’Italien, Michael Bates
• Key Insight: Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Sandra’s death as undetermined; no conclusive evidence to charge any officer with a crime, though serious administrative violations were confirmed

2022 Investigation Timeline:

• January 11, 2022 Detectives received authorization to conduct forensic analysis on a couch located in an office that may have evidentiary value.
• January 14, 2022, Detectives, along with MSP crime lab personnel Lt. Kenneth Heffernan and Jennifer Preisig, processed the couch for forensic evidence.
• February 9, 2022: Second interview conducted with Joshua Heal.
• February 18–22, 2022: Notice of interview sent to Matthew Farwell. His attorney confirms he will not participate.
• March 11, 2022: Matthew Farwell submits formal resignation (effective April 1).
• March 28 – April 2, 2022: Interviews continue with witnesses; Devine’s involvement scrutinized.
• April 1, 2022: Matthew Farwell resigned from the Stoughton Police Department. He had been on paid administrative leave since February 24, 2021. During his leave, he obtained a CDL and launched a trucking company, DMJ Transportation LLC..  Records.
• April 4, 2022: The Town of Stoughton placed William Farwell and Robert Devine on administrative leave. The move coincided with the end of William’s unrelated personal leave.  Town Manager Release
• April 6, 2022, Angelique Pirozzi, cousin of Sandra’s mother, was interviewed by MSP. She described a toxic and emotionally deteriorating relationship between Sandra and Matthew Farwell, and said Sandra had babysat for Farwell’s family and had pressured him to be involved in her pregnancy.  MSP Report
• April 7, 2022, Detectives received a text message with a screenshot of the comments section of a Facebook post commenting on the recent Boston Globe article on the resignation of Matthew Farwell and of Sandra Birchmore. The post was alleged that Birchmore’s friends had been contacted by members of the Stoughton Police Department after her death and that the friends were threatened and called liars.
• April 8, 2022, Robert Devine was interviewed at the MPTC academy by Chief McNamara’s delegates. He denied any relationship with Sandra and stated, “because you won’t find it” when told no communication had been discovered.
• May 2–3, 2022: Allegation of possible 2021 criminal act by Matthew Farwell referred to MSP; victim declines to cooperate.
• May 17, 2022, Detectives discovered a Facebook Messenger thread on Sandra’s laptop involving a user later identified as Devine using the alias “Marty Riggs”. The messages included discussions about meeting Sandra in his patrol car while on duty.
• June 7, 2022: Cellebrite data from Birchmore’s phones received and reviewed.
• June 23, 2022: FBI consulted on William Farwell’s suspicious CJIS queries; confirms no federal violations.
• July 26, 2022: William Farwell retrieves personal items from station.
• August 1, 2022: William Farwell submitted his resignation from the Stoughton Police Department.
• August 15, 2022, William Farwell’s resignation became effective August 16, 2022.
• August 16, 2022: Robert Devine officially retired from the Stoughton Police Department.
• August 22 2022: Cellebrite data archived and thumb drives returned from private investigators.
  Internal Affairs Investigation Completed by Stoughton PD  Report
• August 25, 2022, Detectives received a letter from Robert Devine. He claimed his accounts had been hacked. However, an internal IMC records check found no incident reports supporting this claim. Investigators maintained their assessment of his credibility.
• September 13, 2022 Chief Donna McNamara confirmed in an internal email that Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, and Robert Devine would not be returning to the department.  Email
• September 22, 2022 (internal investigation) Event: Stoughton Police Department IA report Details: Results of a 19‑month internal affairs investigation were released. The report confirmed inappropriate relationships between Sandra and the two Farwell brothers and Devine. These findings undergirded the civil suit filed later in December
• September 23, 2022 The Abington Police Department placed Joshua Heal on administrative leave amid allegations of misconduct. He resigned prior to an internal interview. Investigators deemed him not credible and less than forthright.  Press Release
  
• September 30, 2022 The Norfolk District Attorney announced that a 60-page internal report on the Stoughton officers’ conduct was under review for potential criminal charges. The DA invited other victims or witnesses to come forward.  Press Release
  
• December 29, 2022: The estate of Sandra Birchmore filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Matthew Farwell and other former officers, as well as the Town of Stoughton.

Internal Affairs Investigation – Stoughton PD  Report

• Report Filed by: Deputy Chief Holmes
• Date Completed: August 29, 2022
• Scope: Investigated policy violations by SPD employees relating to Sandra Birchmore
• Findings:
• Matthew Farwell:
• Had a relationship with Sandra beginning when she was 15 years old (he was ~10 years older)
• Texts confirm sexually suggestive dialogue from 2020
• Last person to see her alive: Feb 1, 2021, 9:30 p.m.
• Sustained Violations: Conduct unbecoming, incompetence, untruthfulness, lack of devotion to duty
• Resigned: April 1, 2022
• William Farwell:
• Met Sandra when she was 13; began relationship around 2018
• Interviewed by MSP on Feb 11, 2021; admitted to prior sexual contact
• Resigned: August 1, 2022
• Robert Devine:
• Ran the Police Explorers program
• Had inappropriate relationship with Sandra
• Acted as mentor and supervisor to both Farwell brothers
• Provided access and influence to Explorers program from early teens through adulthood
• Conclusion: All three men exploited their positions to engage in long-term sexual misconduct with Sandra Birchmore, some beginning when she was a minor

2023 Investigation Timeline:

• Jan 20, 2023 The Estate files a Second Amended Complaint in Norfolk Superior Court against Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, Robert Devine, Joshua Heal, and the Town of Stoughton.
• Feb 2023 Joshua Heal resigns from the Abington Police Department “ahead of a scheduled interview with internal investigators,” after having been on leave since September 2022.
• Mar 9, 2023 Answers and a memorandum on behalf of William Farwell and Robert Devine are filed responding to the complaint. (Listed in the case file index; exact filings are reflected on the docket.)
• March 21, 2023 Event: Matthew Farwell decertified by POST Commission. Details: The Massachusetts state-level police oversight body voted to revoke Matthew’s police certification. He agreed to be permanently barred from law enforcement and added to a national decertification index, although he did not admit to any allegations at that time
• May 1, 2023 Heal files a response and cross-claims in the civil case; a separate copy of a Heal response is available in the public case records.
• May 3, 2023 The Estate files its Opposition to the Town of Stoughton’s Motion to Dismiss, arguing the Town’s Rule 12(b)(6) motion should be denied. A docket mirror confirms the filing date.
• August 22, 2023 Event: POST Commission initiates decertification of all three officers. Details: The Commission sought to strip authority from Matthew, William Farwell, and Robert Devine following evidence of sexual misconduct with Sandra and misuse of their official positions. The POST Commission initiated proceedings to revoke the law enforcement certifications of both Matthew and William Farwell.
• November 28, 2023 Event: : Affidavit Released. Details: Affidavit reveals Birchmore and Matthew Farwell exchanged 32,709 electronic messages between December 2019 and her death in February 2021
• Dec 14, 2023 The Estate files Amended Opposition to Defendant Robert Devine’s Motion to Dismiss.

2024 Investigation Timeline:

• January 7, 2024  Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Robert Devine (Case No. 2024-003). 
• March 2024 Matthew Farwell agrees to be decertified by POST Commission, barring him from law enforcement in Massachusetts.
• March 2024 FBI conducts new interviews, gathering disclosures from people close to Birchmore about her history with Farwell.
• June 18, 2024 Forensic pathologist Michael Baden issues a report for Birchmore’s family, declaring her death a homicide by strangulation.
• August 2024 As part of the federal investigation, the FBI obtains a search warrant authorizing agents to collect a DNA sample from Matthew Farwell.
• Federal prosecutors state that Farwell’s DNA is then compared to DNA recovered from the ligature, Birchmore’s fingernails, and sperm found in her underwear.
• The filing states Farwell’s DNA was found on the ligature that tied Birchmore’s neck to a closet door handle.
• Prosecutors describe the ligature, a duffle bag strap, as the murder weapon and call the DNA evidence “highly inculpatory.”
• The same testing also excludes Farwell as the biological father of Birchmore’s unborn son.
• August 16, 2024 Government expert Dr. William Smock met with:
• Massachusetts OCME
• Massachusetts State Police
• FBI
• U.S. Attorney’s Office
• Federal authorities expressed disagreement with suicide ruling
• August 28, 2024 Farwell is federally indicted for killing a witness (Birchmore) to obstruct disclosure of his sexual relationship with her. Arrested, pleads not guilty.
• September 7, 2024 Consented to voluntary pretrial detention without prejudice
• September 9, 2024 The United States District Court entered a Protective Order in United States v. Matthew Farwell. The Protective Order restricted dissemination of discovery materials in the federal murder case, including:
• Sandra Birchmore’s laptop extraction.
• Sandra Birchmore’s phone extraction.
• The Protective Order applied to third parties, including Matthew Farwell’s criminal defense attorneys.
• September 2024 FBI affidavit unsealed, detailing allegations of grooming, long-term sexual abuse, and staging her death as suicide.

2025 Investigation Timeline:

• Feb 10, 2025 Case returns to court; trial date still not set. Federal prosecutors appeared in court in the case of U.S. v. Matthew Farwell.
• June 5, 2025 “Hearing in the Matter of Robert Devine” The hearing was held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 84 State Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA. It was a closed-door adjudicatory proceeding (not open to the public). Attorneys for the POST Commission alleged Robert Devine contacted Sandra Birchmore on February 1, 2021, the same day she died. Devine used an alias (“Marty Riggs”) to communicate with Birchmore on Facebook.
• June 12, 2025 Report confirms that after Birchmore’s death, Farwell allegedly staged her apartment to look like a suicide. Still part of the ongoing allegations in the indictment; no rulings yet.
• June 25, 2025 Farwell faces possibility of the death penalty. The indictment includes a charge (“killing a witness or victim”) for which sentencing could be death or life in prison.
• July 27, 2025 Abington/Stoughton POST Commission considers discipline of ex-official Joshua Heal, the fourth ex-Stoughton employee implicated in misconduct related to the Birchmore case. The Commission deliberations stem from earlier misconduct-reporting in 2022.
• October 15, 2025 – Hearing was held. Farwell did not appear for the hearing. He has been held without bail, by agreement, since his indictment. The judge presiding over the case set a hearing for motion to dismiss for March 12, 2026, while scheduling the start of Farwell’s trial for Oct. 5, 2026.
• U.S. District Judge Denise Casper also ordered federal prosecutors to file notice by Jan. 20 if they intend to pursue the death penalty against Farwell. The crime he is charged with, killing a witness or victim, is punishable by death. It carries a minimum sentence of life in prison. Casper essentially overrode both prosecutors and Farwell’s defense, who said there was no need to set deadlines at this stage. She also said the October trial date would stand whether or not Farwell is facing the death penalty.
• January 20, 2026 – Deadline for Pros to file motion of they intend to pursue the death penalty against Farwell. The crime he is charged with, killing a witness or victim, is punishable by death. It carries a minimum sentence of life in prison.
• February 20, 2025 – Deadline to file motion to dismiss – If Farwell’s defense decides to file a motion to dismiss, they must do so by February 20, 2026.
• March 12, 2026 – Deadline to file Motion to suppress evidence.
• September 20, 2026 – A final witness list must be filed by Sept. 21, 2026.
• October 28, 2025 – A former Stoughton police officer who was previously indicted for allegedly murdering Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant woman, to prevent her from disclosing information about his sexual exploitation of her beginning when she was a minor, has been indicted for allegedly causing the death of Birchmore’s unborn son. Source 
• The new indictment filed in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, details about Birchmore’s pregnancy: the child was male, conceived about 8-10 weeks before. Indictment Source
• November 21, 2025 – Farwell waives his court appearance on new charges involving the death of Birchmore’s unborn baby. 11:00 AM: Former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell was scheduled to appear in federal court at 11 a.m. for arraignment on newly filed charges related to the death of Sandra Birchmore’s unborn child.
• Farwell waived his personal appearance, allowing the arraignment to proceed without him being physically present in court.
• The new charges expand the federal case and formally address the circumstances surrounding Birchmore’s pregnancy at the time of her death.
• December 9, 2025 – Federal prosecutors announce they will not seek the death penalty against Matthew Farwell Source
• The United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts filed a formal Notice Regarding the Death Penalty in case number 24-10259-DJC.
• The filing states that the Attorney General of the United States has directed the government not to seek the death penalty in the prosecution of Matthew Farwell.
• The notice was submitted by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, with Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth C. Riley, Brian A. Fogerty, and Torey B. Cummings.
• This decision removes capital punishment as a potential sentencing outcome in the federal witness-killing case connected to the death of Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child.

2026

• January 12, 2026 – Robert Devine files a Complaint for Judicial Review in Suffolk Superior Court. He seeks reversal of the POST decision, reinstatement of certification, and removal from the POST registry.  Source
• Grounds for Appeal Asserted by Devine:
• Devine checks and asserts all statutory bases for judicial reversal, including:
• Violation of constitutional provisions
• Decision based on an error of law
• Unlawful procedure
• Unsupported by substantial evidence
• Arbitrary and capricious decision-making
• Excess of authority
• January 20, 2026
• 11:00 AM – A hearing on the motion to change venue in the Matthew Farwell case is set for January 20, 2026.
• The hearing will be held in person in Courtroom 10 before Chief District Judge Denise J. Casper.
• October 5, 2026 – Trial date set for October 5, 2026
• March 26, 2026
• Defense files Opposition to Government’s Motion for Detention in United States v. Matthew Farwell in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
• The filing argues that pretrial release is required under the Bail Reform Act, asserting the government cannot meet its burden to prove:
• Risk of flight
• Risk of obstruction
• Danger to the community
• Defense proposes multiple conditions of release, including:
• Third-party custody (mother)
• Home confinement with electronic monitoring
• Travel restricted to Massachusetts
• No contact with witnesses
• Firearm prohibition
• $50,000 unsecured bond
• The motion emphasizes that “liberty is the norm” and detention is a limited exception, citing federal precedent.
• The filing identifies the central factual dispute in the case as:
• Whether Sandra Birchmore’s death was suicide or homicide
• Defense highlights forensic conflict, stating:
• The Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a suicide
• A second federal forensic pathologist agreed with that determination
• The government relied on a third expert who concluded homicide
• The OCME has not changed its ruling
• The filing states that:
• Matthew Farwell was excluded as the father of Sandra Birchmore’s unborn child through DNA testing
• It references a confirmed biological father who has not been publicly named
• Separately, it notes Mr. Farwell’s brother is a named defendant in a related civil lawsuit
• “These include, according to the government’s own evidence, Mr. Farwell’s brother who is a named defendant in the civil lawsuit as well as the confirmed biological father of Ms. Birchmore’s fetus who has thus far not been publicly named.”
• Defense argues Farwell’s conduct over more than three years following Birchmore’s death (February 2021 to August 2024) demonstrates:
• No attempt to flee
• No obstruction of investigations
• Continued residence in Massachusetts
• Cooperation with law enforcement and legal proceedings
• The filing outlines Farwell’s background, including:
• U.S. Army service with deployment to Afghanistan
• Law enforcement career with commendations and promotion to detective
• No prior criminal record
• Strong family and community ties
• The defense concludes that:
• The government has not met the legal standard for detention
• Even if concerns exist, conditions of release can reasonably mitigate any risk, requiring pretrial release under federal law

April 6, 2026

• Federal prosecutors file a Government’s Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Detention in United States v. Matthew Farwell. The filing states that the evidence against Farwell has significantly strengthened since his 2024 arrest, including new forensic, witness, and behavioral evidence  Source
• Prosecutors confirm:
• Matthew Farwell’s DNA was identified on the ligature around Sandra Birchmore’s neck
• The ligature, described as a duffle bag strap tied to a closet door handle, is identified as the murder weapon
• The presence of Farwell’s DNA on the ligature is described as “highly inculpatory”
• Additional forensic findings disclosed:
• Farwell’s sperm cells were found on Birchmore’s underwear
• DNA recovered from Birchmore’s fingernails did not match Farwell
• The government asserts:
• Farwell strangled Birchmore on February 1, 2021
• He staged the scene to appear as a suicide
• He acted to prevent Birchmore from disclosing evidence of his prior crimes, including sexual exploitation.
• Medical Examiner: Prosecutors outline multiple alleged failures in the original investigation, including that the medical examiner did not visit the scene and relied heavily on incomplete information from first responders.
• The filing states Canton Police described the ligature as a “scarf” in an early report, when it was actually a duffle bag strap.
• Prosecutors say the medical examiner was not told that Farwell had been in Birchmore’s apartment on February 1, 2021, when her phone activity stopped and her final step data was recorded.
• The filing further states the medical examiner did not know Farwell had allegedly choked Birchmore during sexual encounters, had recently shown a new pattern of domestic violence, and had recently searched the closet area near where she was found.
• Prosecutors also argue the medical examiner did not understand the significance of a perimortem clavicle injury that matched the buckle of the knot behind Birchmore’s head, which they say suggested she could not have died in the position in which she was found.
• The filing also outlines:
• Evidence of premeditation, including statements made by Farwell in the weeks before Birchmore’s death
• Evidence of consciousness of guilt, including deletion of messages and false statements to investigators
• Evidence that Farwell attempted to portray Birchmore as suicidal after her death
• Prosecutors argue:
• Farwell poses a danger to the community
• He presents a risk of flight and obstruction
• He should remain detained pending trial, scheduled for October 5, 2026

May 1, 206

• The ME ‘s office has revised Sandra Birchmore’s cause of death from “asphyxia by hanging” to just “asphyxia” with the manner of death “undetermined” 

May 26, 2026

• U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley issued a written 9-page detention order ordering former Matthew Farwell held without bail pending trial in the federal case involving the death of Sandra Birchmore.
• Earlier that day, Farwell appeared in federal court in Boston wearing a prison jumpsuit and shackles during proceedings before Chief U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper.
• The morning hearing focused on defense motions seeking to suppress or exclude evidence, along with a request for an evidentiary hearing regarding law enforcement’s handling of the investigation. Judge Casper indicated from the bench that she was likely to deny the request for an evidentiary hearing.
• Separate detention and bail arguments were handled before Magistrate Judge Kelley. Defense attorneys requested Farwell’s release on a $50,000 bond with GPS monitoring and proposed that he reside with his mother in Mansfield, Massachusetts pending trial.
• Federal prosecutors opposed release, arguing that Farwell posed a danger to the community, a flight risk, and a risk of obstructing justice.
• In her written ruling, Judge Kelley concluded that Farwell should remain detained pending trial, finding:
• He posed “a danger to the community.”
• He posed “a risk of flight.”
• He posed “a risk of obstruction of justice.”
• Kelley further wrote that the government’s case appeared “very strong, if not overwhelming” at the pretrial stage, despite the absence of full cross-examination or trial testimony.
• The judge additionally found that “no condition or combination of conditions” could reasonably assure either community safety or Farwell’s appearance in court if released.
• The ruling noted that Farwell faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted on the federal charges.

Records:

• 2014-12-03 Devine IA Investigation-Files  Open
• 2020-12-01 Canton Police Report – Birchmore  Open
• 2021-02-17 MSP Reports  Open
• 2021-02-08 IAB Internal Affairs Investigation  Open
• 2021-03-08 Matthew Farewell Attorney Letter  Open
• Death Certificate Issued on March 4, 2021  Open
• 2022-04-04 Stoughton Town Manager Release  Open
• 2022-09-13 Email from Donna McNamara  Open
• 2022-09-13 Email from Chief Donna McNamara  Open
• 2022-10-25 Aug–Sep 2022 Manager Report – Sandra Birchmore  Open
• 2022-11-02 Canton Police Supplemental Report – Birchmore  Open
• 2022-10-12 Investigation File  Open
• September 2022 Statement of Chief Donna M. McNamara Statement  Open
• September 23, 2022 Abington Police Department Press Release  Open
• September 30, 2022 The Norfolk District Attorney Press Release  Open
• 2022-03-18 Norfolk DA Report Sandra Birchmore  Open
• 2023-01-24 Birchmore Civil Complaint  Open
• 2023-04-04 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2023-07-10 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2023-09-12 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2023-12-13 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2024-02-07 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2024-04-12 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2024-07-11 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2024-10-10 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2024-10-15 Initial Status Report and Order on Excludable Delay  Open
• 2024-11-27 Affidavit of Compliance  Open
• 2024-11-27 In Camera Review of Material From Massachusetts State Police  Open
• 2024-11-27 Joint Status Report  Open
• 2024-11-27 The Town of Stoughton’s Submission of Listing of Documents  Open
• 2024-12-02 Order on Excludable Delay  Open
• 2024-12-03 Robert Devine – Mass State Police Investigation Files  Open
• 2024-12-04 Estate of Sandra Birchmore’s Joint Motion to Extend Tracking Deadline  Open
• 2024-12-04 General Correspondence Regarding Email  Open
• 2025-01-29 Joint Interim Status Report  Open
• 2025-03-12 Matthew Farwell Defendant Order on Excludable Delay  Open
• 2025 William Farwell –DV Incident Report  Open
• October 28, 2025 – Superseding Indictment  Open 

December 29, 2022: Estate of Sandra Birchmore files a wrongful death lawsuit

In February 2021, the Canton Police Department responded to a welfare check request after Sandra Birchmore, a reliable and dedicated young woman, had not been heard from in days. Officers found her lifeless in her apartment. Paramedics could not revive her. Sandra was later believed to be three months pregnant, possibly with a child fathered by one of the officers who had long exploited her.

Sandra’s death marked the tragic culmination of nearly a decade of grooming and abuse by officers in the Stoughton Police Department. Orphaned at a young age, Sandra sought structure and joined the department’s Police Explorers Program as a teenager. There, she met Robert Devine and twins Matthew and William Farwell, who presented themselves as mentors but used their authority to manipulate and assault her over the years.

An internal investigation later confirmed that Devine and William Farwell had sexual relationships with Sandra while on duty. Matthew Farwell, who had known her since she was 13, began a relationship with her when she was just 15. The report also revealed that Farwell used location-tracking technology to monitor her movements.

Surveillance footage confirmed that Matthew Farwell was the last person to see Sandra alive, entering and exiting her apartment on February 1, 2021, just days before her body was found. Adding to the disturbing findings, Animal Control Officer Joshua Heal was suspected of facilitating Sandra’s acquisition of a cat in exchange for a sexual favor, fully aware of the ongoing abuse she endured.

Sandra Birchmore’s story is a heartbreaking example of systemic exploitation by those in power. Despite personal hardship, her family continues to seek justice.

Civil Suit Timeline:

December 29, 2022

• Event: Estate files wrongful-death lawsuit
  Details: Darlene Smith, personal representative of Sandra’s estate, filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Superior Court. Defendants include Matthew Farwell and the broken chain were consistent with signs of a struggle, contradicting the state medical examiner’s suicide finding
  Key Facts: Disputed the suicide ruling, concluding the death was a homicide by strangulation, not hanging. His key observation: hyoid fracture and ligature placement inconsistent with hanging, further more consistent with homicidal strangulation

June 18, 2024: Sandra’s Estate retained Dr. Michael Baden – Sandra Birchmore Second Autopsy

• Statement of Chief Donna M. McNamara reveals misconduct by Farwell brothers, Devine in internal affairs report  Statement

In Birchmore’s case, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Massachusetts ruled Birchmore’s 2021 death a suicide. State Investigators later discovered tens of thousands of text messages between Farwell and Birchmore, many of which implied an inappropriate relationship, as well as surveillance video showing him entering and exiting her apartment

Second Autopsy June 18, 2024: Dr. Michael Baden, a renowned forensic pathologist retained by Sandra’s estate, issued his independent review, concluding the death was a homicide by strangulation, directly challenging the suicide ruling

“Ms. Birchmore did not die of suicidal hanging … The cause of Ms. Birchmore’s death is ‘Strangulation’ and the manner of death is ‘Homicide.’”

Dr. Baden supported this conclusion with several key forensic observations:

• A distinct patterned imprint was observed on Birchmore’s right upper chest, consistent with the buckle(s) of the ligature strap being forcefully pressed into her body.
• When first responders discovered her body, the buckle that created this imprint was located just below her right ear, an atypical position for suicidal hanging.
• The location of the chest imprint was not consistent with an incomplete ligature hanging.
• Photographs of Birchmore’s body revealed abrasions and areas of skin missing from the inferior and lateral aspects of her nose—injuries commonly associated with suffocation, often caused by a victim rubbing their nose against surfaces while struggling to breathe.

Third Autopsy: August 2024: FBI-Commissioned Analysis — Dr. William Smock

As part of this investigation, the government retained Dr. William Smock as an expert to independently review the crime scene photos, autopsy photos, and the Medical Examiner’s autopsy report. Dr. Smock is an emergency medicine residency and forensics

• Dr. Smock has made several observations and conclusions that call into question the prior finding that Birchmore’s cause of death was suicide and instead further confirm that Birchmore’s cause of death was homicide.  Source
• Sandra Birchmore was approximately 8 to 10 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. The autopsy included toxicology testing.
• The results of the toxicology tests were negative for all substances except for sertraline, which was likely explained by the antidepressants Birchmore had been prescribed.
• the fracture of the right superior horn of Birchmore’s hyoid bone is not consistent with the position in which first responders found her: sitting.
• A sitting hanging is called “an incomplete hanging,” meaning only partial body weight is applied to the neck ligature.
• Dr. Smock noted that, during the autopsy, a pattern imprint was documented on Birchmore’s right upper chest.  Source
• The pattern imprint was the consequence of a buckle or buckles from the ligature strap being forced downward into Ms. Birchmore’s chest.
• When first responders found Birchmore’s body, the buckle responsible for this imprint was observed just below her right ear.
• the location of the imprint on her chest is not consistent with an incomplete ligature hanging.
• Photos depict Birchmore with areas of skin missing from the inferior and lateral aspects of her nose consistent with abrasions.
• These types of injuries are commonly seen in cases of suffocation when the victim moves their nose back and forth in an effort to breathe.
• Dr. Smock noted that Birchmore was in the habit of always wearing a chain necklace with a flamingo pendant.
• The chain was found broken around Birchmore’s neck.
• The breaking of Birchmore’s chain necklace is consistent with a struggle.  Autopsy File
  

Additionally, forensic expert Dr. William Smock noted that Birchmore was known to regularly wear a chain necklace with a flamingo pendant.

• The broken necklace was found entangled around Birchmore’s neck, near the site of her injuries.
• The placement of the ligature and the broken chain were consistent with signs of a struggle, contradicting the state medical examiner’s suicide finding
  Key Facts: Disputed the suicide ruling, concluding the death was a homicide by strangulation, not hanging. His key observation: hyoid fracture and ligature placement inconsistent with hanging, further more consistent with homicidal strangulation

June 18, 2024: Sandra’s Estate retained Dr. Michael Baden – Sandra Birchmore Second Autopsy

• Statement of Chief Donna M. McNamara reveals misconduct by Farwell brothers, Devine in internal affairs report  Statement

The investigation into the death of Sandra Birchmore, initially ruled a suicide, has involved multiple agencies and spanned several years, evolving significantly as new information emerged. Matthew Farwell was indicted by federal authorities and taken into custody in August 2024, pleading not guilty to killing a witness or victim.

Detective Matthew Farwell Charged in Sandra Birchmore’s Death  Source

• Detective Matthew Farwell has been charged in connection with the death of Sandra Birchmore. He is accused of killing Birchmore “with malice aforethought, willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation” to prevent her from providing information to law enforcement regarding potential federal crimes. According to the indictment, the possible charges Farwell could have faced include deprivation of Birchmore’s rights, coercion and enticement, and wire fraud. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
  
  Ms. Birchmore’s death was not a sudden or isolated tragedy but the devastating culmination of nearly a decade of manipulation, grooming, and repeated assaults by police officers she once trusted. Her early years were marked by the profound loss of her grandmother and mother, leaving her vulnerable and struggling to find her way. Despite the hardships, she admired authority figures, particularly police officers, viewing them as protectors and guides. This admiration led her to join the Stoughton Police Department Explorers Program as a teenager, where she met Defendants Devine, M. Farwell, and W. Farwell.
  
  
• Robert Devine, who led the Program, along with the Farwell twins, who served as officers and educators, were initially seen by Ms. Birchmore as mentors. However, beneath this facade of mentorship lay a dark and exploitative reality. The police department’s internal investigation would later reveal that Defendants W. Farwell and Devine had engaged in inappropriate sexual relationships with Ms. Birchmore, taking advantage of their positions to repeatedly assault her while on duty. The investigation further uncovered that all three officers, including M. Farwell, manipulated and abused Ms. Birchmore, exploiting her trust and vulnerability.
  
  Robert Devine, in particular, played a pivotal role in this disturbing narrative, mentoring the Farwell brothers in how to use their authority to prey on minors within the Explorers Program and on Ms. Birchmore herself.

After Sandra Birchmore’s death, law enforcement agents obtained Birchmore’s cell phones, both Apple iPhones, and laptop and reviewed the data on those devices. During that review, agents discovered messages between Matthew Farwell and Birchmore. The messages confirmed that Matthew Farwell frequently communicated with Birchmore for years. The messages also indicate that Matthew Farwell had sex with Birchmore when she was a minor, starting in or around April 2013, when Birchmore was 15 and Matthew Farwell was 27.  Matthew Farwell Indictment

• February 4, 2021: Sandra Birchmore is found dead in her Canton apartment after a well-being check. Source
• February 6, 2021: A second search of her apartment is conducted by Canton PD and Massachusetts State Police. Source
• May 2021: The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner rules her death a suicide by asphyxia by hanging.  Source
• February 6, 2021: Matthew Farwell, a Stoughton police officer, provides false statements to investigators about Birchmore’s death.
• February 9, 2021: According to court documents, Farwell searches for terms related to cell phone recovery and consent online and deletes them
• January 16, 2024: POST Commission seeks to strip or suspend Devine’s authority to work in law enforcement
• March 21, 2024: Matthew Farwell agrees to ban with state law enforcement oversight agency
• June 18, 2024: Sandra Birchmore’s death is ruled a homicide by prominent pathologist
• August 27, 2024: Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Massachusetts (August 27, 2024). United States v. Matthew Farwell – Indictment. US District Court, District of Massachusetts
• August 28, 2024: US Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts (August 28, 2024). “Former Massachusetts Police Officer Arrested in Connection with Murder of Young Woman
• June 5, 2025 POST Commision Attorney Shaun Martinez outlined the allegations that Robert Devine contacted Sandra Birchmore on the day of her death. He also details Devine’s claims that he was “hacked” and did not contact Sandra using a “Marty Riggs” Facebook account.
• September 20, 2026 – A final witness list must be filed by Sept. 21, 2026.
• October 28, 2025 – A former Stoughton police officer who was previously indicted for allegedly murdering Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant woman, to prevent her from disclosing information about his sexual exploitation of her beginning when she was a minor, has been indicted for allegedly causing the death of Birchmore’s unborn son. Source 
• The new indictment filed in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, details about Birchmore’s pregnancy: the child was male, conceived about 8-10 weeks before. Indictment Source
• October 5, 2026 – Trial date

Matthew Farwell Records:

• February 1, 2021 Matthew Farwell killed Sandra Birchmore by strangulation, He used his knowledge and experience as a law enforcement officer to stage her death to look like Sandra Birchmore committed suicide.