Ex-Cop Convicted in Murder of Woman and Unborn Child

Matthew Farwell, a 41-year-old former police officer, was convicted on Tuesday by a Boston jury for the murder of Sandra Birchmore, 23, and her unborn child. The jury found him guilty of federal charges including killing a witness and causing the death of an unborn child, carrying a potential life sentence.

Federal prosecutors presented evidence that Farwell, a married father of three, murdered Birchmore in her Canton apartment. They alleged he disguised her death as a suicide to prevent her from revealing their affair and her pregnancy. Birchmore had reportedly threatened to expose years of sexual abuse, which allegedly began when she was 15.

Farwell's defense argued that Birchmore took her own life after learning he intended to end their relationship. Prosecutors countered that Farwell murdered her the day before his wife gave birth to their third child, influenced by Birchmore's jealousy and demands. This conviction follows a nearly four-week trial. Birchmore's death was initially classified as a suicide by state investigators before a federal review led to Farwell's arrest over three years later.