In Massachusetts murder trial, Matthew Farwell convicted of killing Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child

Jury reaches verdict

The jury had told the court in a note on Monday that it was deadlocked. To convict Farwell of killing a witness or victim, jurors had to find that he killed Birchmore to stop her from reporting his crimes to federal authorities.

Relationship and sentence

Farwell and Birchmore met when she was 13 and taking part in the Stoughton Police Department’s youth explorers program. Prosecutors said he began a sexual relationship with her when she was 15.

Reactions and unanswered questions

U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley said the trial evidence was clear and that justice had been served for Birchmore and her unborn son. Birchmore’s cousin, Barbara Wright, described feeling sadness, happiness and relief, and said the family had fought for justice for nearly six years.

Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said his office respected the verdict and hoped it would bring closure. His office has faced criticism from Birchmore’s loved ones for not pursuing state charges; it said the medical examiner’s suicide finding constrained its ability to prosecute and that it referred the case for further review.

Stoughton acting police chief James O’Connor said Farwell had betrayed public trust and no longer represented the department. Chief Donna McNamara, who is on paid leave in an unrelated investigation, said the verdict affirmed Birchmore was murdered but that questions remain unanswered.