On February 4, 2021, 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore was found dead in her apartment in Canton, Massachusetts. Within hours, authorities determined her death was self-inflicted. But, this conclusion never aligned with the evidence, her family’s concerns, or the timeline of her final hours. Sandra had been 8–10 weeks pregnant. She adored law enforcement from childhood and joined the Stoughton Police Explorers Program at age 13, hoping it would lead to a future career. Instead, it placed her in the orbit of three Stoughton officers: Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, and Robert Devine. What investigators would later uncover is a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and abuse that stretched over a decade. Despite early official claims that nothing criminal occurred, Stoughton’s newly appointed police chief, Donna McNamara, refused to ignore the red flags. Her internal investigation unearthed thousands of messages, disturbing behaviors, and misconduct that state investigators had overlooked or dismissed, that ultimately pointed to a far darker truth about Sandra’s final night. Then, in August 2024, the FBI stepped in. A 45-page federal affidavit detailed new forensic evidence, expert findings, and behavioral analysis indicating Sandra’s death was not accidental and that the officer she trusted most may have planned to silence her permanently. That same day, Matthew Farwell was arrested on a rare federal charge: “killing a witness or victim”. In this episode, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat break down the years of abuse hidden behind the badge, the failures that allowed it to continue, and the federal investigation now working to bring justice for Sandra. If you have information related to this case, contact the FBI or the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. -------- Key Episode Moments: 0:00 - 3:43 - Case Intro 3:44 - 6:58 - Sandra Found Dead in Canton 6:59 - 9:54 - Officer Matthew Farwell Identified 9:55 - 13:11 - Affair & Pregnancy Revealed 13:12 - 16:06 - Deleted Messages & Red Flags 16:07 - 18:59 - Grooming Through Police Explorers 19:00 - 22:56 - Twin Brother William Farwell Involved 22:57 - 26:09 - Deputy Chief Robert Devine’s Role 26:10 - 29:14 - Internal Affairs Investigation 29:15 - 32:30 - Chief Donna McNamera Speaks Out 32:31 - 35:59 - DA Declines Statutory Rape Charges 36:00 - 40:05 - Family Files Wrongful Death Suit 40:06 - 43:20 - FBI Homicide Investigation Begins 43:21 - 44:59 - Federal Murder Charge Filed 45:00 - 46:40 - DNA Twist & Ongoing Trial 46:41 - 48:25 - Explorer Program Pattern Emerges 48:26 - 48:30 - Outro 🚨 The Crime Junkie Holiday Merch Collection is here! 🚨 Shop the exclusive Holiday Collection — limited-edition merch designed to bring a little CJ cheer to your season. Perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself). Get it before it’s gone! 🛒✨ Shop the collection now: http://shop.audiochuck.com/collections/holiday For even more stories like this one, join the Crime Junkie Fan Club today: https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/fanclub?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=episode_description&utm_campaign=signupfanclub Follow Crime Junkie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimejunkiepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrimeJunkiePodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrimeJunkiePod Crime Junkie is created and hosted by Ashley Flowers. About Ashley Flowers Ashley Flowers is the top female podcaster in the U.S. and the host of Crime Junkie, the #1 podcast among women and the #1 true crime podcast globally. As the Founder of audiochuck, she has built a top-tier podcast production company that has garnered over 2.6 billion downloads, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling through 10+ chart topping podcasts. Ashley and her team are dedicated to creating responsible true crime content that respects victims and their families. Follow Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ASHLEYFLOWERS/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ash_flowers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyflowerscrimejunkie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyflowers.af/ Check out these other great crime channels: @kallmekris The Family Massacre That EXPOSED An Empire... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRsR-0NsFKE @annieelise Brianna Aguilera, Teen Boys Lure Girl to Woods &, Eviction Exposes Dead Body & Tons of Explosives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1FFPJF893o @BaileySarian A Very Dark History Holiday Special: The 2025 Gift Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJysy_1qRdA @christinaarandall Millionaire Wife Seemingly Had It All, But Her Husband Was Cheating, and She Snapped | Clara Harris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXfpYhlPYtI