Sandra Birchmore: The Officer She Trusted Is Accused of Killing Her

When Sandra Birchmore was 12, she joined a Stoughton, Massachusetts police youth program because she hoped to become an officer herself. What began as trust in the adults around her became the basis for years of alleged exploitation by men connected to the program.

In 2021, Sandra was found dead in her Canton apartment while pregnant with her first child. Her death was initially ruled a suicide. Federal prosecutors now allege that former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell, who had known Sandra through the Police Explorers program, strangled her and staged the scene to look like a suicide. They allege he did so to prevent Sandra from disclosing information about his conduct to law enforcement.

As of October 7, 2026, jury selection is underway in Matthew's federal trial. He has pleaded not guilty, and his defense maintains that Sandra died by suicide. In this episode, we trace Sandra's life, the Police Explorers program, the original investigation, and the case now being argued in federal court.

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