The evidence against former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell just got significantly worse. Federal prosecutors revealed in April 2026 court filings that Farwell’s DNA was found on the duffel bag strap that was tied around Sandra Birchmore’s neck when her body was discovered. His sperm cells were found in her underwear. And a coworker told investigators that about two weeks before Birchmore’s death, Farwell said his problem was going to take care of itself.
Prosecutors are calling the strap the murder weapon. They say the DNA finding directly contradicts Farwell’s claim that he last had sex with Birchmore in 2020. State investigators had found male DNA on the strap back in 2021 but never compelled a sample from Farwell. It took a federal investigation, years later, to make the match.
The prosecution also laid out how the original investigation failed. Canton police told the medical examiner there was no foul play within an hour of finding Birchmore’s body. They called the ligature a scarf. No devices seized. No DNA compelled. Prosecutors wrote that Farwell was never seriously considered a suspect — and argue that’s exactly why he stayed in town for years, not because he’s innocent.
Farwell has lost every pre-trial fight. Venue change denied. Motion to dismiss denied. His defense’s own bail filing had to be amended after a footnote appeared to name his twin brother as the father of Birchmore’s unborn child. The actual father has not been publicly identified.
Prosecutors also alleged a separate incident from summer 2021 involving another woman at a bar — cited as evidence of dangerousness.
Trial begins October 5, 2026 in federal court in Boston. No death penalty. If convicted, Farwell faces life. True Crime Today has the complete breakdown.
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