Forensic scientists at the Mass State Police Crime Lab confirmed that Matthew Farwell’s DNA was present on the ligature used in the death of 23‑year‑old Sandra Birchmore, according to testimony at his federal murder trial.
The ex‑Stoughton police officer is charged with killing Birchmore and her unborn child in February 2021, then staging the scene to make it appear as a suicide with a duffle‑bag strap in her Canton apartment. Farwell maintains the death was a suicide, claiming Birchmore acted after he told her he was not the father and ended their relationship.
Elizabeth Duval, the forensic scientist who examined the ligature, also tested Birchmore’s fingernail clippings and underwear. While only Birchmore’s DNA appeared on the clippings, both Farwell’s DNA and sperm were detected in stains on her underwear. Separate DNA testing later identified sperm from Jason Pickard as the father of the unborn child.
Duval noted she could not determine when the DNA was deposited on the ligature or the underwear; her role was to report what was present, not how it arrived. She also said she was unaware of Farwell’s fraternal twin, William, who had also been a Stoughton officer and had an inappropriate relationship with Birchmore, according to a department report.
Army recruiter Jason Pickard testified about his relationship with Birchmore, beginning in December 2019. He described their on‑and‑off sexual relationship, Birchmore’s pregnancy announcement in December 2020, and Farwell’s erratic behaviour during that period. Pickard recounted that the last time he met Birchmore was on January 28, 2021, when he helped her with baby proofing while she was on pelvic rest.
The prosecution also called three women who had affairs with Farwell while he was married or living with his wife. Their testimony was intended to illustrate a pattern of concealment, contrasting with Farwell’s repeated requests that Birchmore delete messages.
With the DNA evidence now in the courtroom, the jury continues to weigh the prosecution’s case that Farwell orchestrated Birchmore’s death and staged the scene to mimic suicide.
