FBI Details Messages Between Farwell, Birchmore In Murder Trial: Reports

STOUGHTON, MA — The fourth day of testimony is underway Friday in the federal trial of former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell.

Three witnesses took the stand during the fourth day of testimony, including Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes, FBI digital forensic examiner Christopher Beckstrom and FBI Special Agent Heidi Kelsch. Kelsch is expected to continue testifying Monday, according to Boston.com's court coverage

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Farwell, 40, is charged with killing Sandra Birchmore and causing the death of her unborn child. Prosecutors allege he strangled the pregnant 23-year-old in her Canton apartment in 2021 to prevent her from disclosing their relationship, which they say began when she was 15. Farwell has pleaded not guilty and maintains Birchmore died by suicide.

The first set of witnesses took the stand Tuesday after a jury of 16 was finalized last week.

Farwell faces federal charges of killing a witness or victim and causing the death of a child in utero, according to a superseding indictment. Prosecutors claim Farwell strangled Birchmore on Feb. 1, 2021, then staged the scene to appear as though she died by suicide.

Farwell's defense acknowledges that he had an affair with Birchmore but maintains that he did not kill her.

• More From Third Day Of Testimony: Friend, Stoughton Police Officials Testify In Ex-MA Cop's Murder Trial: Reports

Fourth Day Of Testimony

FBI digital forensic examiner Christopher Beckstrom testified that investigators recovered about 24,000 communications between Farwell and Birchmore, according to Boston.com.

Beckstrom said a phone linked to Farwell showed searches about revoking consent to a phone search and recovering deleted messages days after Birchmore was found dead. He also testified that Birchmore's phone recorded movement shortly before Farwell was seen leaving her apartment building, according to Boston.com's court coverage.

FBI Special Agent Heidi Kelsch testified about messages in which Farwell and Birchmore discussed sexual encounters that allegedly began when Birchmore was 15, according to NBC10 Boston. Kelsch is expected to continue testifying Monday, according to Boston.com.

Former Stoughton Deputy Police Chief Brian Holmes testified that he alerted the FBI about the department's internal investigation in 2022, according to Boston.com.

Editor's note: This story was last updated Friday at 6:15 p.m. with additional testimony from the fourth day of the trial.

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