Closing arguments expected in trial of ex-cop accused of killing Sandra Birchmore
Defense experts said the autopsy findings fit a partial hanging, and jurors will decide whether the hyoid fracture proves strangulation.
- The defense rested its case Wednesday in the federal murder trial of former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, accused of killing 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore in 2021. Closing arguments are scheduled for Friday.
- Prosecutors allege Farwell killed the pregnant Birchmore to conceal a years-long sexual relationship that began when she was 15. The defense maintains she died by suicide when he visited to end their affair.
- Forensic pathologist Dr. Thomas Andrew testified for the defense that Birchmore's death was "absolutely not" homicide, attributing it to hanging. This contradicts prosecution expert Dr. William Smock, who identified injuries consistent with strangulation.
- Farwell declined to testify Wednesday, informing Judge Denise Casper of his decision in a firm voice. Jurors will not report Thursday, returning Friday for closing arguments and deliberations.
- The medical examiner initially ruled the 2021 death a suicide but revised it to "undetermined" following a federal investigation. The trial addresses claims that local police previously failed to conduct a thorough probe.
64 Articles
64 Articles
Closing arguments delivered in the trial of Sandra Birchmore's alleged killer, Matthew Farwell. Here’s what happened.
Farwell did not go to Birchmore’s apartment on Feb. 1, 2021 for a “clean break,” the prosecutor said in his closing argument, but rather to “clean up the mess he had created for himself years earlier."
Jury begins deliberating in the trial of the ex-officer accused of killing Sandra Birchmore
BOSTON (AP) — Jurors began deliberations Friday in the trial of a former Massachusetts police officer accused of killing a pregnant woman to keep her from revealing he had begun sexually abusing her when she was 15. Federal prosecutors say Matthew Farwell killed Sandra Birchmore, 23, and tried to stage her death as a suicide [...]
Closing arguments expected in trial of ex-cop accused of killing Sandr
BOSTON (AP) — Closing arguments are expected Friday in the trial of a former Massachusetts police officer accused of killing a pregnant woman to keep her from revealing that they had been in a sexual relationship that
Ex-cop charged with killing sex abuse victim Sandra Birchmore faces verdict — after grim details emerged at trial
A jury in Boston is likely going to begin deciding the fate of Stoughton Detective Matthew Farwell, the disgraced ex-cop accused of killing sex-abuse victim Sandra Birchmore.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
