Farwell lawyers ask for trial to be moved from Mass. a 2nd time

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Matthew Farwell’s attorneys have filed a second motion to move his federal trial out of Massachusetts, citing extensive local media coverage and public commentary that they argue could bias jurors. The defense claims this widespread attention creates a risk of prejudice that threatens Farwell’s right to a fair trial, while prosecutors oppose the venue change as jury selection approaches.

Attorneys for Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton police detective charged with killing Sandra Birchmore, have filed a second motion seeking to move his federal trial out of Massachusetts. The motion was submitted Monday to the US District Court in Boston, where jury selection is scheduled to begin this week.

Farwell faces charges in connection with the 2021 death of Birchmore, who was 23 and pregnant at the time. Prosecutors allege Farwell killed Birchmore and then staged the scene to resemble a suicide, allegedly to prevent her from revealing that he had groomed and sexually abused her during her childhood. Farwell has pleaded not guilty and maintains that Birchmore took her own life.

The defense argues that extensive local media coverage, particularly by the Boston Globe and commentary on related stories, has created a “reasonable likelihood” that impartial jurors cannot be found in Massachusetts. Attorney Kimberly C. Stevens noted in the filing that since an earlier motion to change venue was denied in January by US District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper, media attention and public commentary on the case have intensified.

According to the motion, the Boston Globe has published 33 articles and opinion pieces about the case since January, generating 867 online comments that assume Farwell’s guilt and call for his conviction without a trial. The defense contends that this coverage fosters widespread public belief that Farwell committed multiple crimes, including abusing his law enforcement position, sexually abusing Birchmore as a minor, and staging her death.

Farwell’s legal team had previously requested the trial be moved to Rhode Island, arguing jurors there would be less exposed to Massachusetts-based media coverage and community sentiment about the case. The motion emphasizes concerns that potential jurors, their families, and the communities where the trial will take place have been saturated with prejudicial information that could undermine a fair trial.

The defense asserts that this environment justifies “presuming prejudice” and warrants changing the venue to protect Farwell’s constitutional rights. The US Attorney’s Office, led by Leah B. Foley, opposes the renewed motion to transfer the trial.

The court’s decision on the motion is pending as preparations continue for the proceedings scheduled in Boston.

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