Boston Jury Convicts Matthew Farwell in Birchmore Deaths

A Boston jury found former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell guilty on November 10, 2026, of killing Sandra Birchmore and causing the death of her unborn child. The federal verdict followed a trial over Birchmore’s death in February 2021 and the competing accounts of whether she was killed or died by suicide.

The jury convicted Farwell of killing a witness or victim and a separate count concerning the unborn child’s death. The charges carry a possible sentence of life in prison, according to trial reporting. The Justice Department lists February 3, 2027, as Farwell’s sentencing date, while one report says that date is for a presentencing hearing and that a sentencing hearing will be set later.

Prosecutors argued Farwell killed Birchmore to prevent her from telling authorities about their sexual relationship and alleged abuse. They said the relationship began when Birchmore was 15, after she met Farwell through a Stoughton police youth Explorers program. Prosecutors also argued Farwell staged the scene to make her death appear to be a suicide.

Farwell’s lawyers argued that Birchmore died by suicide after the relationship ended, citing her mental-health history. The trial...