Former officer accused in murder, staged suicide case opts for voluntary detention

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — A former Stoughton police officer accused of murdering a Canton woman and staging her suicide has agreed to voluntary detention.

Matthew Farwell, accused of killing 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore in 2021, will remain in custody as his detention hearing has been cancelled, according to the U.S. Attorney of Massachusetts.

Farwell allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with Birchmore starting when she was 15, and continued it until learning she was reportedly pregnant with his child.

Authorities say Farwell then strangled Birchmore in her Canton apartment in February of 2021, and staged the residence to make the death appear to be a suicide.

Farwell was arrested by the FBI Boston’s SWAT Team on August 28.

UPDATE in US v. Matthew Farwell Defendant has agreed to voluntary detention. This week’s detention hearing is therefore cancelled.

— U.S. Attorney Massachusetts (@DMAnews1) September 9, 2024