In the winter of 2021, the apparent suicide of 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore, a young woman pregnant with her first child, leaves her family in shock and disbelief. They refuse to accept the official narrative, convinced that Sandra, who had finally found happiness after a lifetime of hardship, would never take her own life. Their suspicions quickly turn to Matthew Farwell, a married Stoughton police detective and the father of her unborn child. As the investigation unfolds, a disturbing picture emerges of a decade-long relationship between Sandra and Farwell, beginning when she was just 15 and he was her mentor in the Police Explorers program.

We explore Sandra's life, her difficult childhood, and her connection to the Stoughton Police Department, a connection that would ultimately lead to her alleged exploitation. It introduces Matthew Farwell, a figure of authority who allegedly groomed and abused Sandra, and sets the stage for the tragic events that followed. The discovery of Sandra's body, the staged scene, and the crucial detail of her locked cellphone raise immediate questions about the initial suicide assessment.

Then a look at the painstaking efforts of Sandra's family to uncover the truth. It explores the initial investigation, the missed clues, the overlooked red flags, and the investigative lapses that allowed Farwell to walk free for so long. The internal affairs investigation within the Stoughton Police Department exposes a pattern of alleged misconduct by Farwell, his twin brother William, and their mentor Robert Devine, revealing a deeply troubling culture within the department. The recovery of thousands of text messages from Sandra's laptop provides a crucial breakthrough, exposing the true nature of her relationship with Farwell and his attempts to cover his tracks. The episode culminates in Farwell's indictment for murder, but leaves lingering questions about the systemic failures that hindered the initial investigation and the enduring fight for justice for Sandra Birchmore. This is a story of betrayal, abuse of power, and the unwavering determination of a family to seek justice for their loved one.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that have dominated the news.

 

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

 

 Throughout the past year, we've followed and dissected cases such as P. Diddy, Karen Read, Scott Peterson, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrand, the Delphi Murders, Kouri Richins, Bryan Kohberger, Rex Heuermann, Alex Murdaugh, Chad and Lori Daybell, and the Adelson family. Each episode navigates through these stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "The Year in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that have dominated the news.

 

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

 

 Throughout the past year, we've followed and dissected cases such as P. Diddy, Karen Read, Scott Peterson, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrand, the Delphi Murders, Kouri Richins, Bryan Kohberger, Rex Heuermann, Alex Murdaugh, Chad and Lori Daybell, and the Adelson family. Each episode navigates through these stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "The Year in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that have dominated the news.

 

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

 

 Throughout the past year, we've followed and dissected cases such as P. Diddy, Karen Read, Scott Peterson, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrand, the Delphi Murders, Kouri Richins, Bryan Kohberger, Rex Heuermann, Alex Murdaugh, Chad and Lori Daybell, and the Adelson family. Each episode navigates through these stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "The Year in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that have dominated the news.

 

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

 

 Throughout the past year, we've followed and dissected cases such as P. Diddy, Karen Read, Scott Peterson, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrand, the Delphi Murders, Kouri Richins, Bryan Kohberger, Rex Heuermann, Alex Murdaugh, Chad and Lori Daybell, and the Adelson family. Each episode navigates through these stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "The Year in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that have dominated the news.

 

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

 

 Throughout the past year, we've followed and dissected cases such as P. Diddy, Karen Read, Scott Peterson, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrand, the Delphi Murders, Kouri Richins, Bryan Kohberger, Rex Heuermann, Alex Murdaugh, Chad and Lori Daybell, and the Adelson family. Each episode navigates through these stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "The Year in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.

 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Three months after former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell's arrest in connection with the alleged murder of Sandra Birchmore, newly uncovered documents shed light on his relationship with the 23-year-old and the events leading to her death. The revelations come from a Freedom of Information Act request that granted access to email records and an FBI affidavit by State Police Lieutenant John Fanning, a lead investigator in the case.

The affidavit, dated November 28, 2023, alleges that Farwell engaged in sexual encounters with Birchmore while on duty, raising questions about potential larceny charges for using taxpayer-funded patrol hours for personal purposes. "There were numerous text messages back and forth between the two that showed M. Farwell and Birchmore coordinated different clandestine places to meet," wrote Fanning. Locations included a Costco, hotels, Birchmore’s family home in Stoughton, and her Canton apartment. "Many of the exchanges would include follow-up text messages indicating that they had completed their sexual encounter."

These allegations coincide with Birchmore’s death in February 2021, initially ruled a suicide by officials based on "physical evidence, personal notes, and the medical examiner’s findings." However, Fanning’s affidavit suggests otherwise, detailing a potential struggle at the scene and linking Farwell’s actions to her untimely death.

The affidavit also highlights a troubling pattern of behavior. Between October 2020 and January 2021, Fanning documented 17 alleged meetings between Farwell and Birchmore during his shifts. Evidence of these encounters surfaced in December 2022, the same month Birchmore’s aunt, Darlene Smith, filed a civil lawsuit against the Stoughton Police Department. The lawsuit accuses three officers, including Farwell, of grooming and sexually exploiting Birchmore, a former Police Explorers trainee. An internal investigation by the department corroborated that many of these interactions occurred while officers were on duty.

On December 19, 2023, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey requested that Stoughton District Court seal a search warrant for Farwell’s Verizon phone records. Morrissey cited an ongoing investigation into "false written reports, fraudulent claims for payment or benefit, larceny, and misleading police." The documents were unsealed in March 2024, revealing further details about Farwell’s alleged misuse of authority and its connection to Birchmore’s case.

Birchmore’s death and the subsequent investigation have prompted widespread scrutiny of the Stoughton Police Department. Her aunt's lawsuit aims to hold the officers accountable for their alleged exploitation of Birchmore, whose life was marked by her involvement with the Police Explorers program. "Sandra trusted these men, and they abused their power," said Smith. "We want answers, and we want justice."

Although Farwell has not yet been charged with larceny, the ongoing investigations into his conduct, both personal and professional, may lead to additional charges. Federal prosecutors allege that Farwell killed Birchmore and staged her death as a suicide, a theory supported by evidence of their relationship and its troubling dynamics.

As the case unfolds, it continues to highlight systemic failures and raises questions about the oversight of law enforcement personnel. Birchmore’s family and the community at large await further developments in the pursuit of justice for her tragic death.

#StoughtonPolice #SandraBirchmore #MatthewFarwell #JusticeForSandra #PoliceMisconduct

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission has revoked the police certification of William Farwell, a former Stoughton officer, following his involvement in the Sandra Birchmore case. William is the twin brother of Matthew Farwell, who has been charged with Birchmore's murder.

William agreed to voluntarily give up his certification as a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts, according to POST commission documents. The decision comes after he was accused of misleading state police investigators regarding the nature of his relationship with Birchmore, who died at the age of 23. The POST also added William's name to the National Decertification Index (NDI), a national registry of officers who have had their credentials revoked.

**Background on the Case**

Sandra Birchmore first met the Farwell brothers through the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorers Program in 2011, where both William and Matthew served as guest instructors. Investigations revealed that Matthew Farwell groomed Birchmore from a young age, leading to a years-long sexual relationship. Authorities allege that Matthew killed Birchmore when she became pregnant with his child in 2021 and staged her death to appear as a suicide.

"Matthew Farwell has been federally indicted for killing Sandra Birchmore, and prosecutors may pursue the death penalty," reported Boston 25 News.

**William Farwell’s Involvement**

William's inappropriate conduct extended beyond his brother's relationship with Birchmore. Investigators uncovered evidence that William had exchanged sexually explicit messages, including photos and videos, with Birchmore when she was about 22. Additionally, he conducted 26 unauthorized searches for Birchmore in a police database and 24 searches for himself, all without official law enforcement justification.

A 2022 internal investigation by Stoughton Police revealed that William, Matthew, and another officer, Robert C. Devine, had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore.

As part of his agreement with the POST, William has been barred from ever working in law enforcement in Massachusetts again. The commission stated, "Revocation of certification ensures accountability for officers who engage in misconduct, protecting the integrity of law enforcement."

Birchmore's tragic death continues to shake the Stoughton community, especially as more details emerge about the involvement of multiple officers who held positions of authority in her life.

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Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

Was Sandra Birchmore’s tragic end truly a suicide, or does it point to something far more sinister? In this episode, Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Eric Faddis delve into the murky circumstances surrounding the 23-year-old’s death, examining evidence against her alleged abuser, former police officer Matthew Farwell, who is caught on video entering her apartment shortly before her death. The conversation unveils disturbing details of a supposed "ring" of individuals in positions of authority who allegedly manipulated and mistreated Sandra from a young age. Adding complexity, Canton officials are now enlisting external auditors to probe potential misconduct and hidden truths within the police department. With accusations of a cover-up and the FBI now involved, the questions grow even darker: will justice finally be served, or will Sandra’s story be buried under red tape?

#SandraBirchmore #MatthewFarwell #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillers #JusticeForSandra #PoliceMisconduct #CantonInvestigation

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Could a police department allegedly cover up the murder of a young woman to protect its own officers? The death of Sandra Birchmore, originally labeled as a suicide, has since unraveled into a chilling narrative implicating members of the Canton Police Department. Allegations suggest that one officer, Matthew Farwell, began grooming her when she was just 12 years old, while others allegedly exploited her after she turned 18. With an audit now underway to dig deep into the department's practices, one wonders: will this probe uncover the full extent of misconduct, or will more disturbing secrets stay hidden in the shadows?

Psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott joins the discussion, offering insight into the psychological screening methods—or lack thereof—used for officers, and whether such assessments could ever truly flag someone capable of such heinous behavior. Are manipulative tendencies and moral failings detectable in pre-employment tests, or can some simply slip through the cracks? Should those entrusted to protect our most vulnerable, like school resource officers, face the same rigorous evaluations required of nuclear plant workers?

If psych testing could save lives, why don’t we use it more? And more importantly, would it even work?

#SandraBirchmore #CantonPolice #MatthewFarwell #PoliceMisconduct #TrueCrime #PsychTesting #ProtectKids

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com