• New Details Emerge in Sandra Birchmore Case: Former Stoughton Officer Allegedly Exploited Relationship While on Duty
    Dec 6 2024
    Three months after former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell's arrest in connection with the alleged murder of Sandra Birchmore, newly uncovered documents shed light on his relationship with the 23-year-old and the events leading to her death. The revelations come from a Freedom of Information Act request that granted access to email records and an FBI affidavit by State Police Lieutenant John Fanning, a lead investigator in the case.

    The affidavit, dated November 28, 2023, alleges that Farwell engaged in sexual encounters with Birchmore while on duty, raising questions about potential larceny charges for using taxpayer-funded patrol hours for personal purposes. "There were numerous text messages back and forth between the two that showed M. Farwell and Birchmore coordinated different clandestine places to meet," wrote Fanning. Locations included a Costco, hotels, Birchmore’s family home in Stoughton, and her Canton apartment. "Many of the exchanges would include follow-up text messages indicating that they had completed their sexual encounter."

    These allegations coincide with Birchmore’s death in February 2021, initially ruled a suicide by officials based on "physical evidence, personal notes, and the medical examiner’s findings." However, Fanning’s affidavit suggests otherwise, detailing a potential struggle at the scene and linking Farwell’s actions to her untimely death.

    The affidavit also highlights a troubling pattern of behavior. Between October 2020 and January 2021, Fanning documented 17 alleged meetings between Farwell and Birchmore during his shifts. Evidence of these encounters surfaced in December 2022, the same month Birchmore’s aunt, Darlene Smith, filed a civil lawsuit against the Stoughton Police Department. The lawsuit accuses three officers, including Farwell, of grooming and sexually exploiting Birchmore, a former Police Explorers trainee. An internal investigation by the department corroborated that many of these interactions occurred while officers were on duty.

    On December 19, 2023, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey requested that Stoughton District Court seal a search warrant for Farwell’s Verizon phone records. Morrissey cited an ongoing investigation into "false written reports, fraudulent claims for payment or benefit, larceny, and misleading police." The documents were unsealed in March 2024, revealing further details about Farwell’s alleged misuse of authority and its connection to Birchmore’s case.

    Birchmore’s death and the subsequent investigation have prompted widespread scrutiny of the Stoughton Police Department. Her aunt's lawsuit aims to hold the officers accountable for their alleged exploitation of Birchmore, whose life was marked by her involvement with the Police Explorers program. "Sandra trusted these men, and they abused their power," said Smith. "We want answers, and we want justice."

    Although Farwell has not yet been charged with larceny, the ongoing investigations into his conduct, both personal and professional, may lead to additional charges. Federal prosecutors allege that Farwell killed Birchmore and staged her death as a suicide, a theory supported by evidence of their relationship and its troubling dynamics.

    As the case unfolds, it continues to highlight systemic failures and raises questions about the oversight of law enforcement personnel. Birchmore’s family and the community at large await further developments in the pursuit of justice for her tragic death.

    #StoughtonPolice #SandraBirchmore #MatthewFarwell #JusticeForSandra #PoliceMisconduct

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    9 mins
  • Police Certification Revoked for Twin of Former Officer Charged in Sandra Birchmore's Death
    Nov 27 2024
    The Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission has revoked the police certification of William Farwell, a former Stoughton officer, following his involvement in the Sandra Birchmore case. William is the twin brother of Matthew Farwell, who has been charged with Birchmore's murder.

    William agreed to voluntarily give up his certification as a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts, according to POST commission documents. The decision comes after he was accused of misleading state police investigators regarding the nature of his relationship with Birchmore, who died at the age of 23. The POST also added William's name to the National Decertification Index (NDI), a national registry of officers who have had their credentials revoked.

    **Background on the Case**

    Sandra Birchmore first met the Farwell brothers through the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorers Program in 2011, where both William and Matthew served as guest instructors. Investigations revealed that Matthew Farwell groomed Birchmore from a young age, leading to a years-long sexual relationship. Authorities allege that Matthew killed Birchmore when she became pregnant with his child in 2021 and staged her death to appear as a suicide.

    "Matthew Farwell has been federally indicted for killing Sandra Birchmore, and prosecutors may pursue the death penalty," reported Boston 25 News.

    **William Farwell’s Involvement**

    William's inappropriate conduct extended beyond his brother's relationship with Birchmore. Investigators uncovered evidence that William had exchanged sexually explicit messages, including photos and videos, with Birchmore when she was about 22. Additionally, he conducted 26 unauthorized searches for Birchmore in a police database and 24 searches for himself, all without official law enforcement justification.

    A 2022 internal investigation by Stoughton Police revealed that William, Matthew, and another officer, Robert C. Devine, had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore.

    As part of his agreement with the POST, William has been barred from ever working in law enforcement in Massachusetts again. The commission stated, "Revocation of certification ensures accountability for officers who engage in misconduct, protecting the integrity of law enforcement."

    Birchmore's tragic death continues to shake the Stoughton community, especially as more details emerge about the involvement of multiple officers who held positions of authority in her life.
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    11 mins
  • PD Behind Sandra Birchmore & Karen Read About To Have Any Dirty Laundry Exposed In New Audit
    Nov 15 2024
    Was Sandra Birchmore’s tragic end truly a suicide, or does it point to something far more sinister? In this episode, Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Eric Faddis delve into the murky circumstances surrounding the 23-year-old’s death, examining evidence against her alleged abuser, former police officer Matthew Farwell, who is caught on video entering her apartment shortly before her death. The conversation unveils disturbing details of a supposed "ring" of individuals in positions of authority who allegedly manipulated and mistreated Sandra from a young age. Adding complexity, Canton officials are now enlisting external auditors to probe potential misconduct and hidden truths within the police department. With accusations of a cover-up and the FBI now involved, the questions grow even darker: will justice finally be served, or will Sandra’s story be buried under red tape?

    #SandraBirchmore #MatthewFarwell #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillers #JusticeForSandra #PoliceMisconduct #CantonInvestigation
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    13 mins
  • Will An Audit Help Clean Up The Canton PD In Light Of Read & Birchmore Cases?
    Nov 12 2024
    Could a police department allegedly cover up the murder of a young woman to protect its own officers? The death of Sandra Birchmore, originally labeled as a suicide, has since unraveled into a chilling narrative implicating members of the Canton Police Department. Allegations suggest that one officer, Matthew Farwell, began grooming her when she was just 12 years old, while others allegedly exploited her after she turned 18. With an audit now underway to dig deep into the department's practices, one wonders: will this probe uncover the full extent of misconduct, or will more disturbing secrets stay hidden in the shadows?

    Psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott joins the discussion, offering insight into the psychological screening methods—or lack thereof—used for officers, and whether such assessments could ever truly flag someone capable of such heinous behavior. Are manipulative tendencies and moral failings detectable in pre-employment tests, or can some simply slip through the cracks? Should those entrusted to protect our most vulnerable, like school resource officers, face the same rigorous evaluations required of nuclear plant workers?

    If psych testing could save lives, why don’t we use it more? And more importantly, would it even work?

    #SandraBirchmore #CantonPolice #MatthewFarwell #PoliceMisconduct #TrueCrime #PsychTesting #ProtectKids
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    9 mins
  • Former Officer Linked to Sandra Birchmore Case Faces Possible Decertification
    Nov 6 2024
    A former Abington police officer, Joshua Heal, who allegedly had a sexual relationship with Sandra Birchmore, may soon be decertified by a state watchdog group, according to Abington Police Chief John Bonney. Chief Bonney, a recent addition to the department from Stoughton, confirmed he has recommended Heal's decertification to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. Heal, who served as a school resource officer, came under scrutiny in connection with Birchmore’s death after an internal investigation revealed disturbing details. Birchmore was found dead in her Canton apartment in 2021. Initially deemed a suicide, her death is now believed to be a homicide orchestrated by former Stoughton officer Matthew Farwell, who allegedly maintained a sexual relationship with her since she was 15. According to a federal indictment, Farwell is accused of staging her death to resemble a suicide. Three former Stoughton officers, including Farwell, have been named as defendants in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Birchmore’s estate. The lawsuit alleges that Farwell, his twin brother William, and former officer Robert Devine groomed Birchmore after she joined a youth explorers program at age 13. Although Heal was also named as a defendant in this suit in 2023, charges against him were dismissed in 2024. Heal’s attorney, Pete Farrell, clarified Heal's position in the ongoing federal investigation, asserting that Heal is cooperating fully as a material witness. “Allegations are allegations, and it is speculative at best to suggest that Mr. Heal may be decertified,” Farrell said in a statement to Boston.com. He added, “The Court made specific factual findings. Those findings speak for themselves and are a part of the Court record. These facts reveal Mr. Heal and Ms. Birchmore were friends and met while both were adults.” Court documents reveal that Heal met Birchmore in 2016 when she was an adult, adopting a cat from the shelter where Heal worked as an animal control officer. According to the records, “Defendant Heal admitted he received oral sex from Ms. Birchmore on at least one known occasion.” Heal also reportedly described their relationship as close friendship in conversations with investigators. Although court findings indicate that Heal and Birchmore did not know each other during her youth, her estate argues that Heal exploited his position, exerting influence over a “vulnerable young adult.” Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Heal had detailed knowledge of Birchmore’s prior abuse and that he was aware Farwell tracked her phone activity. The lawsuit claims, “Heal owed Ms. Birchmore a duty to protect her from abusive and grooming behaviors exhibited by M. Farwell, W. Farwell, and Devine, and to refrain from exploiting his status as the Animal Control Officer to obtain sexual contact with Ms. Birchmore.” According to the POST Commission, Heal resigned from his position with the Abington Police Department “in lieu of discipline” and currently holds certification as an unassociated officer, which is set to expire on July 1, 2025. While Heal’s future as a certified officer remains uncertain, POST has already taken action against other former Stoughton officers connected to the case. William Farwell, Matthew’s twin, was decertified last month, and Robert Devine is listed as “not certified” by POST due to his alleged involvement in inappropriate relations with Birchmore. As the investigation continues, Heal’s decertification status will be determined by POST, potentially marking another step in the efforts to address the troubling circumstances surrounding Birchmore’s death. #SandraBirchmore #PoliceMisconduct #AbingtonPolice #StoughtonInvestigation #POSTCommission #JoshuaHeal #Justice Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    10 mins
  • Federal Investigation Uncovers MASSIVE Police Misconduct in Sandra Birchmore’s Death
    Oct 28 2024
    On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the disturbing revelations surrounding the Sandra Birchmore case. What started with the arrest of former officer Matthew Farwell has now unraveled into a broader investigation into multiple officers connected to Birchmore’s abuse. As federal authorities uncover the truth, questions arise about the misconduct of other officers, including Farwell’s twin brother and an Abington officer facing decertification.

    Tony explores the growing public outrage and the system-wide failures that allowed this abuse to continue unchecked for years. With more hearings scheduled and protests gaining momentum, the search for justice is far from over.
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    16 mins
  • Betrayed by the Badge: The Sandra Birchmore Tragedy
    Oct 25 2024
    On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the chilling case of Sandra Birchmore—a young woman whose dream of becoming a police officer was twisted into a nightmare of manipulation and betrayal. For nearly a decade, Sandra was exploited by Matthew Farwell, a police officer she trusted, until her life was cut short. Initially ruled a suicide, Sandra’s death is now at the center of a federal investigation that exposes systemic failures and misconduct within law enforcement. Join us as we uncover the truth behind Sandra’s tragic death and the fight for justice that refuses to be silenced.
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    21 mins
  • Prosecutors to Use DNA Evidence in Case Against Former Police Officer Accused of Killing Sandra Birchmore
    Oct 14 2024
    Federal prosecutors announced new developments in the case against former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, 38, who is charged with the murder of Sandra Birchmore, 23. Court documents filed by both defense and prosecution reveal plans to introduce DNA evidence, with prosecutors noting, "expert testimony regarding DNA testing in this case" will be presented. Preliminary DNA test results have been provided to Farwell’s defense team, according to these filings.

    Farwell, arrested in August, faces allegations of strangling Birchmore and staging her death as a suicide. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy stated that Birchmore’s death was the culmination of years of grooming and abuse by Farwell, beginning when she was a young teenager.

    Authorities allege that Farwell’s inappropriate relationship with Birchmore began in 2013, three years after she joined the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorers Program at the age of 12. By 15, Birchmore was reportedly being sexually exploited by Farwell, then 27, despite the age of consent being 16 in Massachusetts. The two continued a relationship for years, with Farwell often meeting her for sexual encounters, including while on duty, according to court records.

    In late 2020, Birchmore informed Farwell that she was pregnant with his child. This disclosure reportedly led to tension and violence in their relationship. “Mr. Farwell was losing control in late 2020, early 2021,” Levy noted. “The information that Sandra Birchmore possessed about his illegal conduct was in danger of slipping out.”

    Levy claims that Farwell sought to silence Birchmore, driven by fear that she might expose his actions to authorities. Text messages obtained by federal investigators indicate that Farwell grew increasingly hostile toward Birchmore after learning she had confided in friends about their relationship. These interactions show that in January 2021, Farwell was angry when Birchmore requested he attend medical appointments and provide information for the baby’s birth certificate. Shortly afterward, prosecutors allege he killed her.

    On February 1, 2021, prosecutors believe Farwell strangled Birchmore in her Canton apartment, staging the scene to appear as though she had taken her own life. Levy asserted that the nature of Birchmore’s injuries, particularly the broken neck, is inconsistent with suicide. Forensic expert William Smock, part of the federal investigation team, highlighted that the neck injuries were “more commonly seen in strangulation assaults,” challenging the initial suicide ruling.

    The indictment against Farwell includes a charge of murder, specifically for killing a witness to prevent the disclosure of federal crimes. Prosecutors allege that his actions demonstrate premeditation and malice. In addition, Farwell faces allegations of coercion, deprivation of rights, and potential wire fraud.

    Federal authorities also revealed that Farwell’s brother, William, admitted to a sexual relationship with Birchmore shortly after her death. William Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer, agreed to surrender his police certification in September and resigned amid an internal investigation in 2022.

    Farwell, who has pleaded not guilty, remains in custody without bail. His case will proceed with the new evidence provided by DNA testing and testimony that the prosecution believes will strengthen their argument. The charges Farwell faces could lead to a life sentence or potentially the death penalty, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crimes against Birchmore.
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    16 mins