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.

March, 2010 Sandra tried to join Youth Explorers program, when she was 12 but was on the stand-by list for the program, She began participating in the program in the spring of 2010. June 4, 2015, Sandra graduated from high school – Stoughton High School. High School Announcement

Tragically, in 2016, both Claire and Denise passed away, with Sandra losing her mother first and her grandmother just a month later. Denise F. McKain Birchmore on May 18, 2016 and Claire G. Coughlin Gaudet on June 24, 2016.

Sandra Birchmore, originally from Stoughton but moved to Canton in 2020, was discovered deceased in her Windsor Woods apartment on February 4, 2021 after her employer requested a well-being check due to her absence from work for several days. The last person known to have seen Sandra alive was Matthew Farwell who was captured on camera leaving Sandra’s apartment. At the time of her death, Sandra was pregnant, and it is suspected that one of the officers, Matthew Farwell, was the father. The cause of death was determined to be suicide. Here is her story.

1998 – In September, 1998 12-year-old twin brothers Matthew and William Farwell enrolled in the Police Explorers Program in Stoughton, a town that promised to shape young minds toward law enforcement careers. The program was a beacon for adolescents eager to learn the ropes of police work, but the Farwell brothers brought with them a reputation for disciplinary issues that had trailed them through their school years.

2001 – Robert Devine, a seasoned officer with the Stoughton Police Department, began serving as a school resource officer. Devine’s presence in schools made him a familiar figure to students, a bridge between law enforcement and the youth of the community. Around the same time, he started volunteering with the Explorers Program.

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.

2006

• Matthew Farwell deploys to Afghanistan for six months.
• June 23: Sandra participates in a 14-week Strengthening Program for high-risk families. Strengthening Program for high-risk families.
  

2008

• Matthew Farwell ends his military service and moves back to Massachusetts.
• He is hired by the Wellesley Police Department, where he serves until 2012.
• Farwell volunteer with local youth programs and earns several commendations, including one in 2012 for performing CPR at a gym.

2010

• Matthew Farwell (Wellesley PD) and William Farwell (Army) volunteer as instructors for the Explorers Program.
• March: Sandra Birchmore, age 12, applies to join the Youth Explorers Program but is placed on the standby list.

2011

• May 2011: Sandra Became a member of the Explorers Program
  
• September 2011: Matthew Farwell volunteers with the Police Explorers Program

2012

• March 19: 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.
• October 28, 2012: Matthew Farwell sent Birchmore a Facebook “friend request”
  

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. 
• 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
  

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
• 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 Source
  The tweet read: “Waiting for their turn #policeexplorers”
  

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

2017

• March 21, 2017: William Farwell becomes a Stoughton police officer

2018

• June 1, 2018 – Sandra Birchmore graduated from Massasoit Community College with associate’s degree in criminal justice.
• 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

• May 19, 2020: The police were called to Sandra Birchmore’s home for a well-being check. 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: she started working at East Elementary School in Sharon, she moved out of her aunt’s place she was very upset that her aunt was selling a house, Sandra stayed with a friends and later on into an apartment with the assistance of Matthew Farwell according to a maintenance worker.
• October 5, 2020: Joshua Heal told Sandra Birchmore that Matthew Farwell’s wife was pregnant with the couple’s third child. Joshua Heall told Sandra that the baby was due in February 2021. Sandra Birchmore responded that she was going to tell Matthew Farwell’s wife that he had been having sex with her (Birchmore) for nearly ten years. The same day Sandra drafted a message to Matthew Farwell wife, she sent a copy to Joshua Heall

“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: Birchmore presented Farwell with an ultimatum: Matthew Farwell would have to agree to engage in unprotected sex with Birchmore with the goal of conceiving a child; and in return, Birchmore would not disclose their relationship. Birchmore had already told others that Farwell had been having sex with her since before she was 16 years old, which she knew was a crime, and Birchmore knew that Farwell was leaving work to have sex with her while he was on duty as a Stoughton police officer.
• 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: she 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: she went to a hair salon to get ready 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 [the town where Farwell’s family resides.]
• 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 [she] 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 [sic] 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 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.
• 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,
• 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 23-year-old woman with whom he had reportedly maintained a secretive and inappropriate relationship. He was seen leaving 28 minutes later. That visit—timed so closely to the birth of his child—would later become a point of deep scrutiny, as Sandra was soon found dead under circumstances that would spark public and legal questions about her involvement with members of the Stoughton Police Department, including Farwell.

On February 4, 2021

• 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 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.

11:46 AM: Canton Fire Rescue/Paramedics arrived and pronounced Ms. Birchmore deceased.

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. 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. 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.

According to a 2021 report, 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.

A toxicology report confirmed the presence of Sertraline, a commonly prescribed antidepressant.

Later, 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 partially around Sandra’s neck, with the broken chain hanging to the left, and the flamingo charm lying on the right side of her abdomen. The state and positioning of the necklace have led to further questions about whether a struggle may have occurred, despite the lack of immediate trauma evidence.

Official: Discovery of Sandra Birchmore – February 4, 2021

Apartment Conditions:

• The apartment was cluttered and unkempt.
• Two cats were present in the apartment.
• The bedroom door was closed; when opened, a desk lamp and colored Christmas lights were found turned on.

Bedroom Scene:

• The bed was unmade, with only a sheet over the mattress and an exposed box spring.
• Sandra’s eyeglasses were found on the bed.
• A U.S. Army ACU-pattern duffel bag was among the scattered items in the room.

Body Position and Condition:

• Sandra was found seated on the floor, with a scarf or strap tightly wrapped around her neck and secured to the bedroom closet door handle.
• Reports vary: some refer to it as a scarf, others a strap.
• No visible signs of head trauma or defensive wounds on her hands were observed.
• Officer Ensley Cotard noted a large pool of dried blood around her mouth.
• Lividity and blue skin discoloration indicated she had been deceased for an extended period.

Additional Scene Details:

• 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 the same clothing seen on surveillance footage from February 1, 2021, at 5:33 p.m., when she entered her apartment.

Official Findings:

• State Police Trooper Matthew Dunne reported:
• No signs of physical abuse, bruising, swelling, or external trauma.
• No indications of struggle observed.
• Chris Adams and Caitlyn Bulger (Medical Examiner’s Office) took custody of the body.
• A sexual assault kit was completed:
• Included swabs, hair and fingernail clippings, and clothing.
• Dr. Michael Baden later noted that it “appears” the evidence was not tested.
• Toxicology report showed presence of Sertraline, an antidepressant.

Additional Evidence Found by Family:

• Family members later discovered a broken gold necklace with a pink flamingo charm on the bedroom floor.
• The chain was broken, not at the clasp, and contained a large clump of hair.
• Crime scene photos showed:
• The necklace was still partially around Sandra’s neck.
• The broken chain hung to the left side of her neck.
• The flamingo charm lay on the right side of her abdomen.

February 1, 2021 – Sandra Birchmore’s Phone & Health Data Activity

• 9:13 p.m. – Final Text Sent
• Sandra’s phone was locked after she sent a final text message to Matthew Farwell stating that the door was unlocked.
• This is the last known deliberate action taken by Sandra on her phone.
• 9:18 p.m. – Screenshot Logged
• The phone recorded a screenshot of a black screen.
• This indicates some form of interaction with the device while it was still locked.
• The action could have been accidental or triggered by another individual.
• 9:40 p.m. – Motion Data Recorded
• The phone’s Health Data App registered eight steps using its motion sensors.
• This activity suggests physical movement of the phone or its user at this time.
• Surveillance footage confirms that Matthew Farwell was still inside the apartment at this exact moment.
• He is later seen leaving the building at approximately 9:43 p.m.
• 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 4, 2021.

These recorded steps occurred while Matthew Farwell was still in Sandra Birchmore’s apartment. The phone recorded no additional steps between 9:40 p.m. and the time it was recovered by first responders on February 4, 2021.

Phone Activity Data:

• 9:13 p.m. – Sandra Birchmore’s phone was locked after sending a final text to Matthew Farwell: “door is unlocked.”
• 9:18 p.m. – A screenshot of a black screen was recorded:
• Suggests non-user interaction (possibly accidental or by another party).
• Indicates Sandra may have ceased active use of the phone by this point.
• 9:40 p.m. – Eight steps registered by the phone’s motion sensors:
• This marks the last recorded movement.
• Occurred while Matthew Farwell was still inside the apartment (he left around 9:43 p.m.).
• Movement may have been Sandra’s or someone handling the phone.
• Post-9:40 p.m. – The phone recorded no additional activity until recovered by police on February 4, 2021.

Health App Data – Interpretation & Significance

• The absence of recorded steps after 9:40 p.m. suggests:
• No further movement by Sandra or her phone.
• Possibly coincides with Sandra’s time of death.
• The proximity to Farwell’s departure, seen on surveillance footage, is significant:
• Narrows the critical timeframe to 9:13–9:43 p.m. on February 1.
• Health data offers objective, time-stamped insight into Sandra’s final moments:
• Reinforces findings from surveillance video and digital forensics.
• Underscores need to examine Farwell’s actions within this narrow time window.

Key Insight – 9:40 p.m. Movement

• The eight recorded steps at 9:40 p.m. are:
• The final sign of life or movement involving Sandra or her device.
• Occurred just minutes before Farwell exited the apartment building.
• Their timing raises critical questions about what transpired in those final moments.

February 4, 2021

• 10:00 AM – school officials contacted the School Resource Officer to check on Sandra Birchmore, who had missed a few days of work. Source
• 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

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.
• February 5: Stoughton Police Chief notified by MSP Detective about Birchmore’s prior relationship with Detective Matthew Farwell.
• 1:05 PM: 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.
• Deputy Chief Brian Holmes issued a serious directive, ordering a comprehensive internal investigation to determine any potential misconduct within the Stoughton Police Department.

February 6, 2021

• Canton PD detectives conducted follow-up investigation at Windsor Woods and interviewed a witness who advised Canton PD detectives that Ms. 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 [boyfriend] 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. Mr. 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. 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.
• 3:10 PM: Matt Dunne interviewed Matthew Farwell at the Gibbons School (Stoughton) in the parking lot out front.

3:10 PM: 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.
• Investigation reveals the relationship began in 2013, when Sandra was 15 years old.
• Farwell falsely claims he had sex with her only 2–3 times in the past year; messages show at least 10 occasions between Jan 1, 2020 – Feb 1, 2021.
• He denies paternity of her unborn child, stating last intercourse was in Oct 2020; records contradict this.
• Farwell claims he hadn’t seen her for a week before her death, except for Feb 1 visit.
• Text messages prove he visited her on January 29, 2021.
• 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.
• No sectioning records found in Canton.

Context: 13 hours after his Feb 1 visit to Sandra’s apartment, Farwell’s wife gave birth to their third child.

February 8, 2021

• February 8: Chief McNamara directs Deputy Chief Holmes to begin internal investigation.
• Detectives Interview Sandra Birchmore’s Closest Friend
• Met Birchmore in high school; spoke approximately three times a week and saw each other in person 1–2 times per week.
• Birchmore had reportedly kicked the baby’s father out of her apartment 2–3 weeks earlier after an argument about the birth certificate.
• The baby’s father vacillated between agreeing and refusing to sign it.
• Birchmore had also described another verbal argument with him.
• Detectives Interviewed a Teacher and Friend
• Said Birchmore did not often display sadness but rather aggression when upset.
• Indicated that Birchmore had a tendency to fabricate stories, so she often questioned her credibility.
• Due to COVID-19, their communication had been “spotty.”
• In January 2021, Birchmore told her she was pregnant but said the father was a “close friend.” The teacher was unsure whether to believe her.
• 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.
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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. Matthew gave consent to retrieve the data off his phone relative to the investigation into the death of Sandra Birchmore.

February 11, 2021: 

• 4:05 PM: Interview with William Farwell (Matthew’s twin brother) by Massachusetts State Police:
• 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 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:

• Deputy Chief Holmes opens internal case file; restricts IMC access to Birchmore’s records.

March 4, 2021: 

• Death Certificate issued for Sandra Birchmore.

April 26, 2021

• Farwell’s department-issued phone transferred to MSP.

May 21, 2021:

• 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.

2021-02-04 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”

2021-02-08 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

2021-02-17 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

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

Investigation Timeline:

2021

• July 30, 2021: Meeting held with Norfolk DA’s Office and MSP regarding the investigation.
• August 2021 – William Farwell placed on military leave to serve in the Middle East with the Army National Guard.
• September 3, 2021: PI Paul L’Italien brought in as external investigator.
• September 30, 2021: Deputy Chief Holmes receives massive data dump (~50,000 pages) from Birchmore’s computer and phone synced files.
• October 5, 2021: Thumb drive containing victim’s communications given to PI L’Italien for analysis.
• 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 National Guard, who was believed to be Birchmore’s recruiting officer. They identified conversations that would be of interest to the US Military and noted that photographs and videos had been exchanged between Birchmore, William, and Matthew Farwell.
• December 7, 2021: Internal interviews and due process notices initiated.
• 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: Cellebrite export of Birchmore’s data received from MSP.
  Detectives reviewed Stoughton Animal Control Shelter records in an attempt to locate pet adoption documents for Sandra Birchmore. No such documents were found.

2022

• 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 22–24, 2022: Cellebrite data archived and thumb drives returned from private investigators.
• 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
• Statement of Chief Donna M. McNamara reveals misconduct by Farwell brothers, Devine in internal affairs report  Statement
  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.
• August 22, 2023: The POST Commission initiated proceedings to revoke the law enforcement certifications of both Matthew and William Farwell.

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, William Farwell, Robert Devine, the Town of Stoughton, and the Stoughton Police Department, alleging wrongful death, assault and battery, negligence, negligent supervision/retention, and emotional distress — all stemming from a decades-long pattern of grooming and abuse

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

September 22–23, 2022 (internal investigation context)
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

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

June 18, 2024
Event: Family-appointed pathologist concludes homicide
Details: Forensic expert Dr. Michael Baden, hired by the estate, officially ruled Sandra’s death a homicide by strangulation, contradicting the state medical examiner’s suicide finding

August 28, 2024
Event: Federal indictment of Matthew Farwell
Details: Farwell was indicted on federal murder and witness-killing charges. The estate’s wrongful-death claims gained new context as federal authorities pursued criminal prosecution

Ongoing (2023–2025)
Status: Civil litigation pending
Details: The case continues through Norfolk Superior Court. The estate seeks to hold the four individuals and the municipality accountable. Discovery is ongoing, with motions and evidence under review by both sides

Key Facts:

• Veteran forensic pathologist consulted by Sandra’s estate.
• 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, more consistent with homicidal strangulation cbsnews.com+6

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.

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, further contradicting the theory of suicide.

Together, these forensic findings strongly support the conclusion that Sandra Birchmore was murdered by strangulation, not self-inflicted hanging.

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.

• 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.

• 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
  

• August 22, 2023: POST Commission seeks to strip Matthew and William Farwell of their authority to work in law enforcement
• November 28, 2023: Affidavit reveals Birchmore and Matthew Farwell exchanged 32,709 electronic messages between December 2019 and her death in February 2021

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

• 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 28, 2024: Matthew Farwell indicted in connection to Sandra Birchmore