Former Officer Charged in Pregnant Woman's Death

Federal prosecutors have charged former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell with the murder of Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant woman whose death was previously ruled a suicide by local authorities. The allegations state that Farwell, who had a sexual relationship with Birchmore from when she was a minor, strangled her and staged the scene to appear as a suicide. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy indicated that new evidence prompted the federal investigation, raising questions about the adequacy of the initial state investigation led by the Norfolk District Attorney's office. Notably, a forensic pathologist hired by Birchmore's family has concluded that she was murdered, contradicting the state medical examiner's ruling. The case has drawn significant public scrutiny, particularly in light of another ongoing federal investigation into the death of police officer John O'Keefe. As the federal investigation continues, the Norfolk DA's office has stated it remains open to reviewing any new evidence that could warrant further action.