Crime
The prosecution expects to rest its case sometime later this week.
Editor’s note: This article includes descriptions of violence, suicide, and the sexual abuse of children.
William Farwell, the twin brother of former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell, is set to resume his testimony Tuesday morning in federal court in Boston.
Matthew Farwell stands accused of killing a pregnant Sandra Birchmore in 2021 and staging the scene to appear as if it were a suicide. He is facing life in prison on charges of killing a witness or victim and killing an unborn child.
Prosecutors say Matthew Farwell committed statutory rape against Birchmore when she was an underage participant in the Stoughton Police Exporers program, then continued a sexual relationship with her for years. He allegedly killed Birchmore to prevent her from disclosing the nature of his abuse.
William Farwell, who is also a former Stoughton police officer, took the stand towards the end of the day Monday. He confirmed that he is testifying under a grant of federal immunity, to prevent him from being prosecuted for having sex with Birchmore while on the clock for the town of Stoughton. William Farwell said he began a sexual relationship with Birchmore in 2018 after she contacted him on Facebook.
William Farwell had no knowledge of his brother’s relationship with Birchmore in the summer of 2018, he said. He also testified that he never had sex with her while she was under the age of 18.
Before William Farwell took the stand Monday, jurors heard extensive testimony from Dr. María Del Mar Capó-Martínez, the medical examiner who performed Birchmore’s autopsy. Diala Alkhalil, Birchmore’s mental health counselor, also testified Monday.
The prosecution expects to rest its case sometime later this week.
Boston.com will bring you updates from court throughout the day.
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