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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The attorney for former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell has asked a federal judge to release him from behind bars ahead of his trial.
Farwell has been in prison since his arrest back in 2024 for allegedly murdering Sandra Birchmore in 2021 and staging her death as a suicide. At the time, Birchmore believed she was pregnant with Farwell's child.
Farwell’s defense team recently submitted an appeal for his release, citing that the former officer is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
In a separate filing, prosecutors said Farwell should still be considered a dangerous person and should be kept behind bars. Several relatives of Birchmore’s, including Barbara Wright, have been standing behind the prosecution.
“I have full faith in the prosecutors that we’re going to get what we want, and we want him to stay behind bars,” said Wright. “I’m looking forward to justice for them, and for this to be over so we can start the grieving process, because right now we’re in limbo.”
Prosecutors alleged that data from Farwell’s phone showed he searched for ‘pornography involving young girls’ following Birchmore’s murder on a secure internet browser.
Wright said her thoughts on Farwell are clear.
“As far as we’re concerned, he’s a dangerous human being. The records show that,” said Wright. “It’s tough. We’ve waited a long time for justice. Sandra and her unborn son certainly do deserve it. Hopefully, we’ll get it soon.”
Farwell’s trial is expected to start sometime in October.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports.