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Federal murder trial begins for Matthew Farwell

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 6:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Farwell Begins Trial

Former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell begins federal murder trial on Tuesday.
Prosecutors allege Farwell killed 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child in February 2021.
Video shows Farwell wearing a mask when entering Birchmore’s Canton apartment on February 1, 2021.
The defense maintains Birchmore’s death was a suicide.
A judge barred discussion of Farwell’s extramarital affairs during the trial.

Summary

Rule 53 Restricts Video

Federal Rule 53 bars photographs and broadcasts in criminal trials, covering the Farwell murder case.
The rule has been in effect since 1946, limiting visual media in federal courts.
A 2023 Judicial Conference amendment permits audio-only remote access for civil, but not criminal, proceedings.
Consequently, no live video will be available for the Farwell trial.
The Brockton Enterprise will provide a live blog of courtroom testimony.

Summary

DNA Exonerates Farwell

Farwell was decertified and barred from any law-enforcement employment in Massachusetts.
DNA testing later confirmed Farwell was not the biological father of Birchmore’s unborn child.
Farwell married Birchmore in May 2013, about one month after their first sexual encounter.
Birchmore, diagnosed with ADHD, had less than $3 in her bank account.
Birchmore’s family testified, describing her excitement about motherhood and urging the truth to emerge.

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Farwell Begins Trial

Former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell begins federal murder trial on Tuesday.
Prosecutors allege Farwell killed 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child in February 2021.
Video shows Farwell wearing a mask when entering Birchmore’s Canton apartment on February 1, 2021.
The defense maintains Birchmore’s death was a suicide.
A judge barred discussion of Farwell’s extramarital affairs during the trial.

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