Act 1 · Grooming / 2012 to 2019
2002
Stoughton Police Explorers Founded
Program founded by then-Deputy Chief Robert Devine. Devine ran the program and kept Explorer files in a WB Mason box under his desk. Farwell was a member of the first Explorer class as a teenager, eventually moving from participant to volunteer to paid instructor. Doc 9-1
2008
Farwell Joins Wellesley Police Department
Matthew Farwell hired as a sworn officer at Wellesley PD.
03/2010
Sandra (Age 12) Joins Explorers
Sandra applies to Stoughton Police Explorers; begins participating in spring 2010 and remains through approximately 2016. Doc 9-1 Doc 63 ¶2
03/27/2012
Farwell Hired by Stoughton PD; Becomes Explorers Instructor
Farwell joins Stoughton Police Department as a sworn officer and becomes a paid Explorers instructor. Syllabuses from 2012 and 2014 show Farwell taught firearms safety and explosives. His own high school transcripts show many failing grades during the same period he was tutoring Sandra. Doc 9-1 Doc 63 ¶1–3
2012 to 2013
Farwell Begins Grooming Sandra
Farwell initiates "homework help" sessions with Sandra at the public library. FBI forensic examiner Kelsch identified 24 separate conversations on Sandra's devices referencing Farwell tutoring her at the library.
Doc 9-1
Facebook contact
- 10/28/2012, 9:50 PM: Farwell sends Sandra a Facebook friend request. Sandra is 15. Facebook search warrant return confirmed the same sender ID. Ex. confirmed Day 5
- 12/27/2012: Farwell removes Sandra from Facebook entirely. Beckstrom cross, Day 5
04/10/2013
First Rape; Sandra is 15
Date confirmed in Sandra's 02/11/2020 text to Farwell: "It was april 10, 2013." Corroborated by Sandra telling Person 1 she lost her virginity 5 days before the Boston Marathon bombing (04-15-2013). Confirmed at trial via texts read into record: "Clear out this text" / "Clear that part out, baby" / "Good girl." Ex. 157 Ex. 158 Doc 9-1
05/2013
Farwell Marries; Sandra's Absences Increase
Farwell marries while Sandra is not yet 16. Sandra's unexcused school absences increase markedly afterward: 9 unexcused sophomore year; 19 unexcused junior year. Kelsch testified the increase occurred specifically after May 2013. Farwell also introduces choking during sexual encounters with Sandra during this period. Doc 9-1
10/01/2019
MSP Homicide Conference; Training on Asphyxia and Hanging
Norfolk DA CPAC hosts a homicide conference in Wellesley. Farwell and Det. Kuhn attend together, sitting side by side for every session. The FBI obtained OCME's presentation from the conference: slides covering asphyxia via occlusion of nose, mouth, and airway; closing of the neck; obstruction of airway; and one slide specifically addressing hanging.
Ex. 417
Tully connection
- Tully personally invited Farwell via email (state police account to SPD account). Tully later cleared Farwell of involvement in Sandra's death.
- A speaker cold-called Farwell during the session; he answered a use-of-force question. Ex. 296 Beckstrom, Day 5
Act 2 · Escalation / 2020
05/2019
Choking Texts Recovered
SA Kelsch testified to "many" text messages from Farwell to Sandra discussing choking, including messages from May 2019 explicitly describing throat grabbing, domination, and coercion-flavored language. Defense objected under FRE 1006 and 403; court overruled. Ex. 298
03/23/2020
Farwell Texts About Skipping School
Text exchange recovered from Sandra's devices. Farwell: "I wish it had been the library day." Sandra: "Literally I was never in school. It was literally 2-3 times a week." Farwell: "I wouldn't have forced you, but I would have tried really hard." Ex. 155 Kelsch, Day 5
05/14/2020
Sandra's Section 12 Hospitalization
Sandra's aunt calls police after suicidal threats; Sandra is transported for involuntary evaluation at Good Samaritan Medical Center. ER triage notes: mother recently died; patient denies self-harm or suicidal ideation; suicide risk assessed as LOW. Officers who responded said Sandra was not suicidal. During hospitalization, Sandra texted Farwell; he responded 2 minutes after her discharge. Ex. 166
09/2020
Sandra Hired by East Elementary School
Sandra hired as an instructional assistant at East Elementary School, Sharon Public Schools, assigned one-on-one to a third-grade student with an IEP. School year runs September 2020 through June 2021. Carlson, Day 2
10/05/2020
Sandra Learns of Wife's Pregnancy; Gives Farwell Ultimatum
Sandra tells Person 1 that Farwell had sex with her "last almost 10 years" and "before I was 16." Person 1 informs Sandra that Farwell's wife is pregnant with their third child, due February 2021. Sandra texts friends about wanting a baby of her own. Sandra's device shows pregnancy tracking apps purchased throughout October 2020.
Doc 9-1
Oct 6–7 exchange
- Sandra to a contact: "Cause he knocked her up again and I found out and said 'either I go to your wife or you keep your word and give me a baby.'" / "And he was not at all happy about it."
- Sandra texts Farwell: "Your not gonna leave right." Farwell visits her apartment that evening.
- By 7:57 PM Sandra texts him: "I'm agreeable to this month for sure." Doc 244 / Supp. Ex. A
10/26/2020
Sandra Texts Farwell About Feeling Worthless
Sandra to Farwell: "I feel like I just don't have a reason to be here or around anyone anymore. no one would notice. I am not good enough., I am damaged in ways that aren't fixable." Farwell responds: "I'm sorry you feel that way I have apologized 400 times." Government argued at trial: "Farwell knows what he did. He knows how much he hurt Sandra." Ex. 726 Ex. 727 Towel Note
12/01/2020
Sandra Moves Into Canton Woods Apartment
Sandra Birchmore moves into Apt. 3307 at Canton Woods apartment complex, Canton, MA. Building 3 has a single lobby camera (Aegis-brand system, not cloud-connected, storing 30 days of footage). Dunne cross, Day 3
12/28/2020
Sandra Tells Farwell She's Pregnant
Sandra asks Farwell to meet; he delays 40 minutes after agreeing to visit. Sandra texts that she is pregnant (~3.5 weeks; conceived December 2020) and includes a photo. Farwell expresses no doubt about paternity and does not call police or offer to come.
Ex. 212
Government
Farwell: "I haven't walked away because I thought you would kill yourself if I walked away. I could have gotten rid of you 10 years ago. Could and would." Sandra texts friends that same evening about baby shower themes.
Defense
DNA testing later established that Farwell was not the biological father. Government learned this only after his August 2024 arrest. Both parties stipulated to these facts at trial.
12/29/2020
Farwell Shoves Sandra, Takes Her Phone and Computer
When Farwell visits, he took Sandra's phone, shoved her, and threatened her. Sandra later texts that she was scared he would hit her and take things from her hands. Sandra to Farwell: "I thought you were going to hit me." After Birchmore told Farwell he scared her, Farwell does not deny it (treated by government as adoptive admission). Sandra immediately texts friends about maternity shoot and baby shower plans. Ex. 215 Doc 9-1
12/29/2020
Sandra Reconnects with Childhood Friend; Commissions Baby Items
On the same day as Farwell's violent visit, Sandra reaches out to childhood friend Mackenzie Palma (RN and artist) via Instagram. Sandra tells Palma she had found out she was pregnant "the day before." They had known each other since 2nd grade; Palma's mother had babysat Sandra. Sandra commissions custom painted onesies and a wooden sign for her baby announcement. Palma testified as an unscheduled government witness on Day 7. Palma, Day 7
Act 3 · Final Month / Jan 2021
01/03/2021
Sandra Proposes Three-Point Baby Arrangement
Sandra proposes: (1) Farwell need not sign the birth certificate if baby can have his last name; she will not move to Stoughton or Easton. (2) She will not complain about holidays but wants him present near Christmas and Easter. (3) Financial support is optional. Sandra: "I feel like I'm trying to be as fair as I can. And I want you there for labor." Farwell: "It's a lot more than you've ever asked for." Kelsch, Day 6
01/06/2021 to 01/08/2021
Sandra Tells Friends She Fears Farwell and Court Fight
Sandra to Dylan John Michael: Farwell "had some incidents that made me fear for the safety of the baby. He takes things out of my hands. He threatens me." Sandra to Jimmy Newell: the situation will "end up in a court fight."
Kelsch, Day 6
Farwell's chokehold draft note
- Farwell drafted a note to state lawmakers opposing proposed legislation restricting police use of chokeholds.
- Draft quote: "If my options were to kill someone or choke someone, I would make the choice to choke someone." Admitted over defense objection. Ex. 422
01/15/2021
Sandra's Ultrasound; Due Date Sept 9, 2021
Fetal heart rate 167 bpm; estimated gestational age 7 weeks 6 days; due date September 9, 2021. Yolk sac and gestational sac present. Ex. 365 Kelsch, Day 6
01/18/2021
Ultrasound: Hemorrhage Found; Pelvic Rest Ordered
Dr. Venkataraman (OB/GYN) conducts ultrasound. Gestational age: 6 weeks 4 days; fetal heart rate 167 bpm; viable pregnancy; estimated due date September 9, 2021. Perigestational hemorrhage noted (blood between uterine wall and chorionic membrane). Sandra's blood type O+; no Rh risk. Dr. V orders pelvic rest and restricts extreme physical activity. Sandra sends a 3:41 AM health portal message: "I wasn't spotting at all until I had sex last Tuesday." Bleeding slows by January 20 and stops by January 21. Sandra goes to Good Samaritan Medical Center after Zoomba on January 19. Ex. 360 Dr. V, Day 7
01/20/2021
Two Calls to Stoughton PD; Farwell Orders Silence Twice
5:20 PM: Julia Pearlman calls Stoughton PD and tells an employee Farwell has been having sex with Sandra. She is put on hold twice; call ends 5:23 PM. SPD log documents this call. Farwell orders the employee not to speak about it. 7:40:45 PM: A second call, received by dispatcher James Fitton, comes in on the SPD business line -- a female caller about "a relationship between her friend and Matthew Farwell." Fitton informs Farwell in the detectives office; Farwell becomes visibly and audibly angry and orders Fitton (with expletives) to never speak of it again. Desk officer Ronald "R.J." Letendr -- who heard the call in dispatch -- also tells Fitton to forget about it. Fitton's handwritten notes are thrown out at end of shift. A recording existed; its fate is unknown. Chief McNamara first learned of the calls from the FBI in spring 2024.
Ex. 246 Fitton, Day 7
Farwell's texts to Sandra and to Fitton
- Farwell to Sandra: "Dude your friend Julia just called me fucking work to complaint about me." Farwell calls Julia mentally ill.
- Farwell to Fitton (text, sent after the 7:40 PM call): "Let's never discuss that again. That girl is fucking insane. Both of them are."
- Sandra searches for lawyer names from attorney Katz's referrals on her device later that day.
- Julia and another individual make a recorded three-way call to Birchmore; Birchmore refers to Farwell as "the baby's father." Doc 221
01/21/2021
Mental Health Assessment: Zero on Self-Harm
Dr. Venkataraman (OB/GYN) gives Sandra a mental health assessment (10-question EPDS-style screener; max 30). Sandra scores 17 overall but zero on the self-harm/suicidal ideation question. Sandra reports she had good results with Zoloft years ago. Dr. V prescribes Zoloft (sertraline, SSRI), 50mg; reviews black box warning; Sandra told to report any side effects. Doc 212 Dr. V, Day 7
01/22/2021
Sandra Reports Zoloft Side Effects; Dose Adjusted
The day after her first Zoloft dose, Sandra sends a health portal message to Dr. V's practice: "Hi, I took the Zoloft today, it made me feel a little bit anxious. Should I take a lower dose?" Dr. V responds: lower to half dose (25 mg), switch to half tablet for five days, take at night. Dr. V testified Sandra was highly communicative throughout her pregnancy and always responded to provider messages. Ex. 561 Dr. V, Day 7
01/23/2021
Farwell Visits; Asks for Key; Inspects Closet and Bathroom
Farwell texts he is coming over and brings Sandra a soda. One hour elapses between Sandra's "downstairs" text and her later "Thank you for coming tonight." At 11:16 PM Sandra texts Joshua Heal: "he asked me for a key tonight for my apartment, not how I expected things to go." Building has a lobby pin pad and key fob; Apt. 3307 is on the 3rd floor, next to the elevator.
Ex. 249
Closet and bathroom inspection
- Sandra to Jayson Pickard: "The father came by last night. It was a 180 change...He asked me if I would give him a key and said if I keep it a secret, then he would be around and see them...He looked in my bathroom and closet. IDK why...He brought me a birth certificate."
- Government cites Farwell's inspection of the closet and bathroom 9 days before Sandra's death as contextually significant. Ex. 252 Ex. 254
01/24/2021
Sandra Has Key Copied; Texts Farwell Building Passcode
11:10 AM: Sandra has a key to her apartment copied at Walmart; she pays for it. Sandra texts Farwell the building passcode: "open the downstairs door, it is 4321." Sandra tells Becca Chandler: "He admitted I have the upper hand in the situation...I'm not going to be that person." Sandra sends Farwell a reconciliation text asking to surprise him with the baby's gender. Ex. 252 Ex. 257 Doc 178
01/25/2021
Steak Dinner, Walmart Stroller; Sandra "Happy and Excited"
Sandra's best friend Leslie Davis testifies she and Sandra had a steak tips dinner and then went to Walmart, where Davis bought Sandra a stroller. Sandra already had a crib in her apartment. Sandra was happy and excited about the baby. Person 3 testifies Farwell pushed Sandra to the ground after she showed him the sonogram around this time. Davis, Day 4
01/26/2021
First Onesie Delivered; Sandra Responds in Under a Minute
10:25 PM: Mackenzie Palma sends Sandra a photo of the first completed painted onesie (a Winnie the Pooh design). Sandra responds at 10:26 PM -- within one minute. Palma made 3 onesies and a wooden sign for Sandra total. Sandra was making baby announcement preparations six days before her death. Palma, Day 7
01/27/2021
Baby Names List, Nursing Exam Registration, Attorney Contact
Sandra's iPhone Notes app shows a baby names list: "Madelyn, Nichole, Abby, rose, Nicole, Lily, Elizabeth, Cayden or Matthew." Sandra contacts attorney Jessica Katz about probate/custody enforcement. Sandra also registers for a nursing entrance exam (TEAS) scheduled February 6, 2021. At 8:45 PM she searches "Names for baby, 2021." Farwell never responded to any of Sandra's baby name texts. Ex. 263 Ex. 229 Ex. 260 Ex. 261
01/29/2021
Farwell's Final Visit Before Sandra's Death
Farwell texts "Still up?" at 10:07 PM; Sandra confirms and gives pin code 4321 again. Farwell arrives; 40 minutes elapse before Sandra texts she is glad he came. Sandra was on pelvic rest due to her pregnancy; texts reference anal sex discussion. Sandra's device search that night: "How to make anal hurt less." Ex. 274 Doc 214
01/30/2021
Sandra Orders Baby Clothes; Nursing School Application
Sandra asks Farwell about baby names; he refuses to discuss via text. Sandra emails Massasoit Community College with her nursing school application. Evening: Sandra orders gender-neutral onesies, hunter rain boots, Disney onesies, daisy infant bedding, and infant hangers; two Kohl's orders placed at 8:54 PM. Three days before her death: nursing application complete, baby items ordered. Ex. 272 Ex. 274 Ex. 278
01/31/2021
Last Therapy Session, "Happier Than She Had Been in Some Time"
Sandra's last known therapy session with Sana Alkhalil (mental health counselor). No depression or suicidal ideation found. Next appointment scheduled for 02/04/2021. Alkhalil observes Sandra "happier than she had been in some time, excited to be a parent and hopeful for the future." Alkhalil later said she was "shocked" when she heard Sandra had allegedly committed suicide. Doc 9-1 Doc 212
02/01/2021
Day of Death, Sandra's Last Hours
Morning activity: Sandra Googles what a purple ribbon means, then searches "what color is the suicide ribbon" (government notes she saw a ribbon image first, not a suicidal outcry). She also browses children's bookshelves, orders baby clothes, and contacts a friend to shovel out her car so she can get to work in three days when school reopens.
Timestamped timeline
- 12:19 PM: Sandra texts Farwell she is leaving Sharon Public Schools at 12:35 PM. Ex. 284
- 12:43 PM: Sandra calls her aunt Darlene (18 min 47 sec). Ex. 284
- 12:51 PM: Sandra enters apartment building. (Lobby tape reads 1:03 PM; adjusted -13 min; cross-confirmed via Door Dash driver text vs. lobby timestamp.) Ex. 140
- 1:25-1:31 PM: Sandra contacts photographer about newborn photo shoot prices; says she has a tentative due date and was just told she is pregnant. Ex. 277
- ~afternoon: Phone searches: pregnancy-related health questions. Ex. 287
- 4:43 PM: Sandra orders Door Dash for dinner.
- 5:01-5:02 PM: Sandra at door accepting Door Dash order (video played in court). Ex. 44
- 5:31-5:33 PM: Sandra exits building (hair in bun, wearing glasses), then returns. Ex. 44
- 7:00 PM: Sandra Googles cramping at 9 weeks, pregnant cramping symptoms, car listings. Ex. 290
- 7:57 PM: Sandra texts a friend to obtain baby clothes.
- 8:25-8:29 PM: Sandra Googles "Cubby Kids bookshelf"; then "private events flower girl Tracy" for baby and bridal showers.
- 8:29-8:55 PM: Leslie Davis speaks with Sandra by phone for approximately 27 minutes. Sandra says nothing unusual; Davis describes her as normal, excited about the baby. Davis, Day 4 Ex. 284
- 9:00 PM: Sandra's iPhone 12 activity sensor records 39 steps.
- 9:07 PM: Farwell texts Sandra: "are you still up and okay to come by?" Ex. 283
- 9:10 PM: Sandra sends last known outgoing text: "door is open when you get here." No further outgoing messages. iPhone unlocked 9:10:43 PM; locked 9:11:23 PM.
- 9:13 PM: iPhone unlocked again; locked for the last time at 9:13:47 PM. Phone never unlocked again until March 2021, when in MSP possession. Cellebrite extraction; Kelsch, Day 6
- 9:14 PM: Farwell enters building on surveillance. Hood up, COVID-19 mask on; inconsistent with Farwell's known mask-resistance habits.
- 9:18 PM: Sandra's locked phone records a screenshot of a black screen. No user interaction.
- 9:40 PM: Last motion recorded by Sandra's phone: 8 steps (9:40:19 PM). Farwell still in apartment. Apple Health data shows phone traveled ~6 meters (~18 feet) after the 8-step entry while in a locked state. Ex. 132
- 9:41 PM: "On/off event" recorded on Sandra's MacBook Air (9:41:43 PM). NOTE: Defense expert Loper later withdrew this claim. Doc 265
- 9:43-9:44 PM: Farwell exits building on surveillance (9:43:33 PM; corrected 9:44:36 PM). Farwell told MSP on 02/06/2021 he left by 9:30 PM. Surveillance contradicts this. No texts from Farwell to Sandra after 9:43 PM. Doc 63 ¶8
- ~Midnight: Leslie Davis sends Sandra a funny video text. Sandra does not respond. Davis testified this was completely out of character.
Act 4 · Investigation / Feb to Dec 2021
02/02/2021
Farwell's Wife Gives Birth
Within approximately 13 hours of Farwell's 9:43 PM exit from Sandra's apartment, his wife gives birth to their third child at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Doc 9-1
02/04/2021
Body Discovered at Canton Apartment
A co-worker calls Canton PD after Sandra fails to appear at work. Officers conduct a well-being check and find Sandra's body: seated on floor, duffel bag strap around neck tied to the closet doorknob. Paramedic determines she had been deceased "for days." Body transported to OCME. Sandra had a therapy appointment scheduled for this date.
Kelsch, Day 6
Scene and surveillance
- Closet layout, Unit 3307: thin wire shelving; door handle on outside; strap consistent with being tied to handle from inside.
- Verissimo reviews lobby camera footage; timestamp was known to be incorrect but the drift magnitude was never quantified by investigators.
- Davis, her mother, and her brother go to Canton PD and name Farwell; officers take no notes and say they "couldn't reveal anything." Davis, Day 4; Verissimo, Day 2
02/04/2021
OCME Informed of "Suicide" Before Autopsy or Device Examination
Prior to any autopsy or examination of electronic devices, OCME receives information from State Police and Canton Police concluding Birchmore died by suicide. Multiple witnesses called Norfolk CPAC in the following 24 hours reporting Sandra was in a sexual relationship with Farwell and could not have died by suicide. Doc 190
02/05/2021
Autopsy by Dr. Capo Martinez; SPD IA Investigation Begins
OCME Dr. Yolanda Capo Martinez conducts autopsy, relying on a death notification report from law enforcement noting "suicide by hanging." No law enforcement attended the autopsy. Findings: furrow mark on neck; petechial hemorrhages; left sternothyroid muscle hemorrhage; right hyoid bone fracture; 2.3 x 2.0 cm dry red-brown abrasion on right upper chest. Stoughton PD begins IA investigation same day. Doc 187 Doc 181
02/06/2021
MSP Interviews Farwell; He Makes Multiple False Statements
Apartment complex employee notifies State Police that he observed an unidentified person in 2/1 surveillance footage; investigators identify the man as Matthew Farwell. Within approximately one hour, Farwell is interviewed in the parking lot of a Stoughton elementary school. The interview is not recorded.
Doc 190
Farwell's false statements
- Relationship with Sandra did not begin until 2020 (false).
- Only 2-3 sexual encounters in the prior year (false).
- He is not the father of the child.
- He left Sandra's apartment by 9:30 PM (false; surveillance shows 9:43-9:44 PM). Doc 9-1
02/09/2021
Farwell Searches "Can You Revoke Consent" on SPD Phone; Deletes Searches
After surrendering his personal iPhone 11 to State Police, Farwell uses his Stoughton PD-issued phone to search: 1:06 PM: "can you revoke consent in Massachusetts"; 1:49 PM: "can deleted iMessage be recovered by Cellebrite." Both searches are then deleted.
Ex. 111 Doc 9-1
Door Dash password / MacBook discovery
- Black Bag extraction of Sandra's iPhone 12 yields her DoorDash password: "MFarwell1."
- Guarino uses "MFarwell1" as the MacBook password; it works.
- The initial BFU extraction of Sandra's iPhone 12 was later deleted from the Norfolk DA server to save space, because the case was being treated as a suicide. Guarino, Day 4
02/11/2021
Billy Farwell Interviewed in Parking Lot; "Bullet in the Head" Quote
Dunne and Fanning interview Matthew Farwell's brother Billy (also a Stoughton PD officer) in a parking lot near Cobb's Corner. Same off-the-books approach used for Matthew's 02/06 interview. Not recorded; Dunne takes no notes; Fanning writes the report. An arrangement was made to prevent Billy from retaining counsel before speaking. Per government opening, Sgt. Fanning at some point told Billy: "We need this investigation like we need a bullet in the fucking head." Dunne cross, Day 3
02/12/2021
Witness Rowan: Sandra Planned to Expose Farwell to Wife and SPD
Dunne interviews Sarah Rowan. Rowan tells Dunne that Sandra Birchmore had told her she was planning to tell Farwell's wife about their relationship and the baby, and to tell the Stoughton Police Department as well. Dunne passes this information to the Norfolk DA's office and to unit commander Brian Tully. Government argues this is direct evidence of Farwell's motive to silence Sandra. Dunne cross, Day 3
02/26/2021
Sexual Assault Kit Collected 22 Days After Discovery
SAK collected from Birchmore's body. This is 22 days after the body was found (02-04) and 21 days after the autopsy (02/05). Reason for delayed collection not explained in court filings. Kit received by MSPCL approximately 03/05/2021. Doc 214
05/06/2021
Death Certificate Issued: Asphyxia by Hanging, Suicide
Dr. Capo Martinez issues the death certificate: cause of death, asphyxia by hanging; manner of death: suicide. Government's theory is that Capo Martinez ruled suicide based on investigative framing from law enforcement rather than purely on autopsy findings. Doc 187
Summer 2021
Farwell Participates in Joke About Sandra Being "Hung on the Door"
At a social gathering, Farwell participates in a joke about Sandra being "hung on the door." Doc 9-1
08/24/2024
Norfolk DA Hard Drive Fails; Black Bag Extraction Lost
Norfolk DA's external hard drive fails approximately 5 days before Farwell's arrest. The Black Bag extraction of Sandra's MacBook (and possibly other files) is lost. Guarino personally informs Sgt. Fanning and Brian Tully; no written report filed. Defense raised this as a spoliation issue; Judge Casper denied voir dire and ruled no basis for exclusion. Guarino, Day 4 Spoliation issue
Act 5 · Federal Case / 2022 to 2024
06/2022
FBI Joins Investigation; Holmes Contacts FBI About Missing Messages
SA Chenee Castruita joins FBI Boston Division, assigned to Public Corruption and Civil Rights Squad. Deputy Chief Holmes makes first contact with FBI Lakeville about approximately 30,000-50,000 messages on Sandra's laptop that were initially missed by MSP/CPAC. Doc 9-1 Holmes cross, Day 5
08/29/2022
Stoughton PD Internal Affairs Report Issued
Report covering the investigation begun 02-05-2021. Referred to: POST Commission, Norfolk DA, FBI, TSA at Baltimore Washington International Airport, Army, and others. Doc 181 Holmes, Day 4
12/29/2022
Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Farwell, SPD, and Devine
Civil complaint filed by Darlene Smith (as personal representative of the Estate of Sandra Birchmore) v. Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, Robert Devine, Town of Stoughton, and Stoughton Police Department. Mass. Super. Ct. No. 2282-CV-1197 (Norfolk County). Wrongful death claim re Birchmore's death. At trial, defense cross of Cheever revealed Robert Devine used Facebook under the alias "Martin Riggs." Doc 181
06/18/2024
Dr. Baden Issues Homicide Report; Farwell Writes "Goodbye Letter" Same Day
Dr. Michael Baden issues letter to Marullo law offices concluding autopsy findings are "typical for homicidal manual and ligature strangulation and atypical for hanging"; cause of death "Strangulation"; manner of death "Homicide." On the same day, Farwell authors a "goodbye letter" to a close family friend asking him to care for Farwell's children. USAO Doc 181 Doc 187
08/2024
Dr. Smock Issues Homicide Opinion
Dr. William Smock (prosecution expert, asphyxia specialist, 40+ years' experience) issues report concluding cause of death was asphyxia and manner of death was homicide. Key findings: seated hanging position would not produce a hyoid fracture; patterned chest injury caused by lobster clasp on the duffel bag strap (clasp not found near injury site); nasal abrasions consistent with victim trying to breathe. Doc 187
08/28/2024
Farwell Arrested; Federal Charges Filed
SA Castruita affidavit filed. Farwell arrested and charged. DNA sample collected during booking. Doc 9-1
10/28/2024
DNA: Farwell is NOT the Biological Father
DNA sample collected from Farwell pursuant to search warrant. Bode Technology later conducts paternity testing. Result: Jayson Pickard (an army recruiter Sandra met around December 2019) is the biological father. Matthew Farwell is excluded as the biological father. Government learned this only after arresting Farwell in August 2024. Parties later stipulated to these facts at trial. Kelsch, Day 6; trial stipulation Doc 181
Act 6 · Trial / 2025 to 2026
10/28/2025
Superseding Indictment Returned
Grand jury returns and files the superseding indictment. Count 1: Killing a Witness or Victim (18 U.S.C. § 1512(a)(1)(C)). Count 2: Protection of Unborn Children (18 U.S.C. §§ 1841(a)(1), (a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(C)). Doc 63
07/2026
Death Certificate Amended to "Medically Undetermined"
Following a third meeting with prosecutors, Dr. Capo Martinez consults with colleagues at OCME and amends the death certificate: cause of death, asphyxia; manner of death: UNDETERMINED. Defense argues the three prosecutorial meetings constitute improper influence over OCME. A timeline conflict exists across filings (April, May, or July 2026 placement); exact sequence requires the primary amended certificate to resolve. Doc 187 Doc 196 Doc 221 Amended cert
10/06/2026
Jury Selection Begins
Jury selection begins in Courtroom 10, Boston. 16 total jurors seated (10 men, 6 women); 14 white, 1 Hispanic man, 1 Asian man. Doc 295
10/09/2026
Trial Day 1; Opening Statements
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley personally present in courtroom for opening arguments. Defense attorney Stevens tells jury: "Matthew Farwell is a man who had an affair," and that he wore a mask "which is what people having affairs might do." Government objects that defense referenced substance of disputed/unnoticed exhibits. Post-openings: Judge Casper finds defense violated FRE 412 ruling by referencing all 4 DNA contributors in opening (called a "dog-whistle"); no immediate remedy ordered. Court notes defense's mask statement "did catch her attention" and asks whether it opened the door to 404(b) affairs evidence.
Doc 339
Day 1 summary
- Gov't: 8-year abuse starting at age 15; murder; staged suicide; Farwell calculated blizzard would delay discovery
- Defense: "Matthew Farwell did not kill Sandra Birchmore." Claims she died by suicide after he ended the relationship
- Jury: 10 men, 6 women; 14 white, 1 Hispanic, 1 Asian
- Post-openings: defense violated FRE 412 by referencing all 4 DNA contributors; court limits to 2
- Judge reserves on whether defense's mask statement opens door to 404(b) affairs evidence
10/13/2026
Trial Day 2; Death Scene, Surveillance Video, Dunne Begins
Witnesses: Det. Heather Cheever (Sandra's mentor since age 9; first to confirm Sandra's mother and grandmother died in 2016; Sandra excited about pregnancy); Michelle Carlson (employer; Sandra "excited, happy, like any other expectant mother"); Erin Porter (Canton Woods property manager, Unit 3307); Officer Cotard (Canton PD; found Sandra at ~70° angle from closet door handle at ~11:30 AM); Carlos Verissimo (maintenance; surveillance footage); Trooper Dunne begins (carries over to Day 3). Courtroom incident: defense accidentally publishes photo of Sandra's dead body to jurors.
Ex. 46–47 Doc 324 denied
Day 2 summary
- Cheever (Stoughton PD): Sandra's mentor since age 9; confirmed mother and grandmother died 2016; Sandra told Cheever she'd be the baby's godmother
- Carlson (employer): Sandra "excited, happy, like any other expectant mother"; CPAC interview improperly conducted as a group session on 02/05/2021
- Porter (Canton Woods): wellness check chain SRO → Stoughton SRO → Canton PD; Porter relayed to Canton PD that Sandra was involved with a Stoughton detective
- Cotard (Canton PD): found Sandra hanging at ~70° angle from closet door handle at ~11:30 AM; door locked; left after ~8 minutes, no further role
- Verissimo (maintenance): Ex. 46: Farwell on lobby camera after 9:07 PM ("I had never seen him before"); Ex. 47: Farwell leaving after murder; DVR clock 13 min fast; discrepancy not investigated
- Dunne: begins direct; scene walk-through, photos admitted (Ex. 9–39); continues Day 3
- Courtroom incident: defense accidentally publishes photo of Sandra's dead body during exhibit handling
- Ruling: Doc 324 DENIED (speculative / FRE 403 prejudice); Doc 325 reserved
10/14/2026
Trial Day 3; Dunne, Zimmerman, Kuhn
Witnesses: MSP Trooper Matthew Dunne (extensive cross by defense); toxicologist Zimmerman (sertraline not yet detectable in Sandra's blood; no alcohol); Sgt. Robert Kuhn (SPD; knew Farwell since high school; attended 2019 homicide conference with him; never saw Sandra exhibit suicidal behavior; never seen a suicide by seated hanging in 21 years of law enforcement). Former U.S. Attorney Josh Levy present in courtroom.
Day 3 summary
- Dunne (direct): contacted OCME 02/09/2021 with Farwell info; Sandra's phone stopped moving before Farwell left; 02/06 off-the-books interview of Farwell (no recording, no notes) produced multiple false statements; 02/11 parking lot interview of Billy Farwell arranged to prevent him retaining counsel; 02/12 Rowan interview; Sandra planned to expose Farwell to his wife and to Stoughton PD
- Dunne (cross): Farwell 6'2" / 200+ lbs vs. Sandra 5'2"; one lobby camera, exact departure time unknown; DVR clock 13 min fast; pre-trial impeachment via FBI 302; defense introduced two prior seated-hanging scenes Dunne had responded to
- Zimmerman (MSP Crime Lab): no alcohol; sertraline undetected; body hadn't metabolized it yet; fatal overdose on sertraline not possible
- Kuhn (Stoughton PD, 21 yrs): attended 2019 MSP Homicide Conference with Farwell (sat together every session); never knew Sandra to be suicidal; never seen a seated hanging in 21 years; noted Dunne always used the station for interviews; never parking lots Ex. 003/297
10/15/2026
Trial Day 4; Davis, McNamara, Guarino, Holmes
Witnesses: Det. Kuhn (completed); Leslie Davis (Sandra's best friend: last person to speak with Sandra alive; Walmart/stroller; implicated Farwell at Canton PD); Chief Donna McNamara (Explorers program history, syllabuses, Sandra's CPR cert record, program disbanded 09-2022); Nicholas Guarino (digital forensics: iPhone 12, Black Bag extraction, Door Dash password "MFarwell1," hard drive failure); Brian Holmes (Stoughton Deputy Chief / IA). U.S. Attorney Foley present for Guarino's full direct.
Day 4 testimony
Day 4 summary
- Davis (Sandra's best friend): Sandra "never" mentioned self-harm while Leslie knew her; bought Sandra a stroller (Sandra had already bought a crib); went to Canton PD to implicate Farwell; officers met her in the lobby and refused a formal interview
- McNamara (Stoughton PD Chief): after a sidebar, admitted Farwell was subject of IA after Sandra's death; SPD referred findings to POST Commission, Norfolk DA, and the FBI; Explorer program disbanded September 2022
- Guarino (digital forensics): Door Dash password "MFarwell1" extracted from Sandra's iPhone 12, also unlocked her MacBook; Fanning manually scrolled the MacBook between extractions, adding artifacts; 30–50K messages missed until December 2021 full pull; external hard drive lost to crash; no written report, supervisors told only verbally, DOJ not notified for nearly 2 years; Beckstrom never consulted Ex. 416–419
- Holmes (former Stoughton Deputy Chief): IA investigation testimony begins; carries over to Day 5
10/16/2026
Trial Day 5; Holmes, Beckstrom, Kelsch
Witnesses: Holmes (cross completed); Christopher Beckstrom (FBI master digital forensics confirmed phone moved ~18 feet after last steps while locked; ~240,000 total messages on Sandra's devices, 24,000 with Farwell; confirmed Farwell removed Sandra from Facebook 12-27-2012; Sandra's rejected friend request 04-29-2015; baby names note 01/27/2021; Tully personally invited Farwell to 2019 conference via email); Heidi Kelsch (FBI; partial direct; Sandra's absences increased after May 2013; Farwell's SPD phone searches confirmed; Kelsch continues Day 7).
Day 5 testimony
Day 5 summary
- Hard drive disclosure: failure occurred 08/24/2024 (9 days after Farwell confirmed as federal target at OCME meeting); DOJ not notified until 08-20-2026, nearly 2 years later
- Holmes (cross): first contacted FBI Lakeville June 2022; received Sandra's laptop in airplane mode; laptop never connected to Stoughton PD wifi; Holmes took Farwell's work phone and handed it to MSP for GPS/cell analysis
- Beckstrom (FBI digital forensics): Sandra's phone moved ~18 feet after her last steps while locked; carried, not dropped; ~240K total messages on her devices, ~24K with Farwell; Farwell removed Sandra from Facebook 12/27/2012; Sandra's rejected friend request 04/29/2015; "baby names" note on device 01/27/2021; Lt. Tully personally emailed Farwell to invite him to the 2019 MSP Homicide Conference
- Kelsch (FBI SA): reads April 2013 grooming texts (Sandra was 15); Dec 28–29, 2020 texts show Farwell threatening Sandra while she simultaneously pivots to baby planning; full last-day timeline reconstructed from device data; cross begins, carries to Day 7 Ex. 157–159 Ex. 211–212
10/19/2026
Trial Day 6; Kelsch Cross, Affairs Ruling, Exhibits Ordered Removed
Judge Casper enters an order prohibiting the government from posting or distributing trial exhibits during trial. The government had posted admitted trial exhibits, including photos of Sandra Birchmore's body as found on 02/04/2021, crime scene items, journal entries, and electronic device data, on its publicly available website. Court finds this risked outside influence on jurors.
Doc 361
Day 6 testimony summary
- Affairs evidence (Doc 338) ruled admissible in limited form with 404(b) instruction; court orders government to remove trial exhibits from public website pending verdict (Doc 361)
- Kelsch (cross): Kelsch has never investigated a completed suicide; Sandra sent Farwell 97 unanswered messages after the ultrasound, including the sonogram, with no self-harm threats, while simultaneously searching baby shower venues
- Rent letter (Ex. 739): defense seeks to admit as evidence of financial distress; court reserves; admitted Day 7 under public records exception
- Day 7 witnesses confirmed: Dr. Venkataraman (OB/GYN), James Fitton (SPD dispatcher), Jessica Katz (attorney), Mackenzie Palma (childhood friend) Ex. 241
10/20/2026
Trial Day 7; Dr. V, Fitton, Palma; Affairs Evidence Ruling
Court ended early due to a 4 PM ceremony. Day 7 pre-trial ruling: Ex. 639/640 (Dr. Leonard childhood psychiatric records) EXCLUDED; Ex. 739/Y-13 (Section 12 document) ADMITTED under public records exception.
Day 7 testimony summary
- Kelsch (FBI; cross continued, Daley): Defense covered Sandra's internet search history from Jan 17-19 and Feb 1, showing searches that alternated between pregnancy concerns and baby shower venues (Ex. 238 Cellebrite data). Kelsch testified to the Joshua Heal text exchange: Heal told Sandra that Farwell's wife was expecting, and Sandra showed Heal a draft letter she had written for Farwell's wife. Defense also covered Sandra's finances, education history, and the chokehold draft note (Ex. 422).
- Dr. Venkataraman (OB/GYN): Sandra's OB from 2019 through Jan 29, 2021. Direct: Full prenatal record covered Dec 2019 through her last contact. HCG levels confirmed a viable pregnancy; Jan 18 ultrasound showed perigestational hemorrhage; Jan 21 mental health screener scored 17/30 with a zero on the self-harm question; Zoloft prescribed. Sandra never reported worsening depression or self-harm thoughts to Dr. V's practice. Cross (Stevens): Defense explored the Zoloft black box warning, hemorrhage measurements, and BPD/manic concerns, and read from a journal entry in which Sandra described being told to self-harm. Redirect: Dr. V confirmed, "I asked her if she had any thoughts of harming herself...she told me she had no such thoughts." Sandra was highly communicative throughout her care. Ex. 357 Ex. 360 Ex. 363 Ex. 366 Ex. 367 Ex. 561
- James Fitton (Stoughton PD dispatcher): Testified to the 7:40:45 PM business-line call on Jan 20, 2021 about Sandra's relationship with Farwell. After Fitton informed Farwell, Farwell became violently angry and ordered him never to speak of it again. Desk officer R.J. Letendr, who heard the call, told Fitton the same. Fitton's handwritten notes were thrown out at end of shift; a recording existed but its fate is unknown. Farwell later texted Fitton: "Let's never discuss that again. That girl is fucking insane. Both of them are." On cross, Fitton acknowledged he would have escalated a report of sex with an underage child to a supervisor, but did not do so here.
- Jessica Katz (Sandra's potential attorney): Called as a government witness. GSE left the courtroom; testimony not captured in live coverage.
- Mackenzie Palma (childhood friend, RN/artist): Sandra commissioned custom onesies and a wooden sign on Dec 29. Palma sent the first completed onesie (Winnie the Pooh design) on Jan 26 at 10:25 PM; Sandra responded at 10:26 PM, within one minute. Defense cross established their childhood connection and confirmed the Dec 29 commission date.
- Affairs evidence ruling (end of day): Judge Casper set scope. Affairs evidence is admitted solely to show: concealment conduct (mask-wearing, deleting texts, covert behavior); existence and duration of the relationships; that all participants were adults; and proximity to Farwell's wife. The government may not argue Farwell is guilty because he engaged in the same conduct as others. Limiting instruction: the jury may consider this evidence only on the questions of intent and motive. Day 8 witnesses: Dr. Roccio, Danya Hallway, Shawna McGrath, Carly Williams, Stephanie Wait (MSP crime lab).