Matthew Farwell’s Twin Says Birchmore Revealed Relationship With His Brother Began At 15: Reports

STOUGHTON, MA — Tuesday marked the 11th day of testimony in the federal trial of former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell.

Two people took the stand Tuesday, including Farwell's twin brother, former Stoughton police officer William Farwell and forensic expert Dr. William Smock.

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Farwell, 40, is charged with killing 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.

Prosecutors say Farwell killed the 23-year-old to prevent her from disclosing that he had groomed and sexually abused her beginning when she was 15, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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 in her apartment 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.

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11th Day Of Testimony

William Farwell, who said he had his own sexual relationship with Birchmore, returned to the stand Tuesday and testified that Birchmore told him her sexual relationship with his brother began when she was 15, according to CBS Boston.

He said he did not believe her because he did not think his brother was "that dumb," the news outlet reported.

William Farwell also testified that Birchmore appeared happy about her pregnancy and showed no desire to hurt herself, according to WBUR.

Dr. William Smock, a prosecution forensic expert, testified that Birchmore's broken hyoid bone and hair tangled in the strap were inconsistent with suicide. Smock called the scene altered and concluded Birchmore's death was a homicide, according to CBS Boston.

The trial is expected to last about five weeks. Farwell would face life in federal prison if convicted.

See Also:

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• Stoughton Police Department Earns State Accreditation