Sandra Birchmore’s therapist, Diala Alkhalil, testified this week in the federal trial surrounding Birchmore’s death and that of her unborn child. Birchmore died in February following the initiation of psychiatric medication, with the prosecution alleging that former police officer Matthew Farwell strangled her to conceal his history of grooming and sexually exploiting her as a minor. The defense maintains that Birchmore died by suicide.

Initially, state authorities ruled Birchmore’s death as a suicide, but this classification was later revised to undetermined. During her testimony, Alkhalil described Birchmore as not exhibiting suicidal tendencies prior to her death. She highlighted several protective factors in Birchmore’s life, including her active advocacy for mental health, her affection for her cats, and her plans for the baby she was carrying.

Alkhalil also stated that while Birchmore often communicated frequently and occasionally exaggerated crises, she never expressed any intention to harm herself. The prosecution argued that Birchmore’s consistent pattern of reaching out would make a suicide without warning unlikely.

Additional testimony from witnesses such as longtime friend Lindsey Crean confirmed that Birchmore disclosed a sexual relationship with Farwell that began when she was 15 years old, and described Farwell as abusive. Defense attorneys, however, challenged Birchmore’s reliability as a narrator of her own experiences.

The trial involves complex issues, including statutory rape, pregnancy, and a possible motive for murder. Further examination of mental health evidence is expected as proceedings continue.