The federal trial of Matthew Farwell, a 40-year-old former official, has entered its second week in Stoughton, Massachusetts, with testimony shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the death of Sandra Birchmore and allegations of prior misconduct. Farwell faces charges including homicide, exploitation, wire fraud, and deprivation of rights under color of law, connected to sexual assault allegations involving Birchmore when she was a minor.

A key moment in the trial involved testimony from James Fitton, a Stoughton police dispatcher, who recounted an incident on January 20, 2021. Fitton traced a 911 call reporting that Farwell, who was married and expecting his third child at the time, was involved in a sexual relationship with Birchmore. According to Fitton, when he sought to discuss the call with Farwell in the detectives’ office, Farwell responded with visible anger and profanity, instructing him never to mention the matter again. Fitton relayed the call to a supervisor, who advised him to disregard it. Farwell later sent a text message referring to both the caller and Birchmore as “insane,” further urging silence on the topic.

Prosecutors argue this exchange contributed to Farwell’s increasing apprehension that his alleged previous offenses, including statutory rape and exploitation of Birchmore, might soon be exposed. Less than two weeks after the call, authorities say Farwell strangled Birchmore and staged her Canton apartment to resemble a suicide scene in an attempt to conceal the crimes. Birchmore was reportedly pregnant at the time; prosecutors contend that Farwell’s actions also caused the death of the unborn child.

Birchmore’s OB-GYN, Dr. Priyanka Venkataraman, testified that the pregnancy was progressing well without signs of suicidal ideation prior to Birchmore’s death. Dr. Venkataraman also noted the patient’s use of anti-anxiety medication and a history of peri-gestational hemorrhage, which the defense highlighted to argue that Birchmore’s mental health and medical conditions could have contributed to her death. The defense maintains that Birchmore, who had a history of mental illness and a prior pregnancy loss, took her own life after Farwell ended their relationship.

While Birchmore had believed Farwell to be the father of her unborn child, subsequent testing disproved this. Prosecutors have indicated that forthcoming testimony will include an expert on grooming behaviors as well as a witness identified as the baby’s biological father.

The trial also underscores jurisdictional complexities between federal and state authorities, given the range of charges and the sensitive nature of the alleged offenses. Both sides have presented emotional and detailed testimony addressing the victim’s background and the defendant’s conduct. Farwell has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently awaiting further proceedings.