November 28, 2024 • 40 mins
In this episode we will discuss the indictment of Matthew Farwell and also read messages between him and Sandra that describe his sexual abuse of her, dating back to when she was just 15 years old, all the way up until the time she was murdered....
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Episode Transcript
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(00:37):
Hello everyone, welcome back to The Victim's Voice.
I am your host, Lorelai. This week we will be continuing
our coverage of the Sandra Birchmore case.
Last week we talked about the three police officers that had
taken advantage of Sandra, the internal investigation that the
Chief of Police initiated to look into their misconduct, and
(00:58):
how the family asked a world renowned forensic pathologist to
look at Sandra's autopsy report.Then on August 28th of 2024,
Matthew Farewell, one of the three Staunton officers was
indicted by a grand jury and arrested for the murder of
Sandra Birchmore. Today we are going to go over
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the indictment and some of the text messages and Facebook
messages between Matthew Farewell and Sandra.
We know that this past June the Birchmore family hired Doctor
Michael Baden to do a private autopsy on Sandra.
Doctor Baden is well known forensic pathologist that has
been involved in many high profile cases.
(01:42):
After looking over the case and doing the autopsy, he found that
Sandra had a fractured hyoid bone, which led him to believe
that Sandra's death wasn't a suicide but instead a homicide.
But after Doctor Baden's findings and Chief McNamara's
press conference, everything wasquiet for a couple of months.
(02:02):
Nothing was being done by Cantonor the state police in
Massachusetts. Chief McNamara wanted to do
something, but it was out of herjurisdiction.
That is until a press conferencehappened on Wednesday, August
28th of 2024. That's when they announced that
they had arrested Matthew Farewell on federal charges for
(02:22):
murder of a witness or victim, which carries a mandatory
sentence of death or life in prison.
Though it wasn't the Canton Police that investigated Matthew
Farewell and it wasn't even the Massachusetts State Police, it
was the FBI that stepped in and made sure that the person who
took Sanders life was held accountable.
(02:45):
Once again Canton PD and MSP areshowing how incapable and
corrupt they are, just as they have been the John O'Keefe and
Karen Reed case where the FBI had to also step in.
Why were they so quick to rule Sanders death of suicide?
Let's go over the indictment andsee what it says.
(03:06):
It states how Matthew Farewell became a police officer in 2012
and also served as an instructorfor the Explorers program.
It talks about how Sandra joinedthe Explorers in the spring of
2010 and participated until 2016.
It states that before Sandra was16 years old, Matthew Farewell
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engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with
Sandra and that the sexual contact continued until in or
around early of 2021, which is up until she died.
Basically, Matthew had told themthat he had no sexual contact
with Sandra since October 2020. So that was determined to be a
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lie and also states that during the time that Matthew was
supposed to be doing his duties as a police officer, he was
instead engaging in sexual activities with a minor, Sandra.
He failed to disclose this to the department and took steps to
hide his conduct from the department.
(04:10):
This is a statement made to reporters on Wednesday by the US
Attorney for Massachusetts, Joshua Levy.
Quote, when it became clear thatMister Farewell could no longer
control Sandra Birchmore, he allegedly silenced her
permanently. He allegedly attempted to cover
his tracks to literally try and get away with murder and he
(04:32):
almost did. End Quote.
They have also filed a motion for detention to keep Matthew
Farewell in jail with no bond until his trial.
They have released information proving that he has a potential
danger to the community and the motion was granted.
The indictment further states that Farewell began to groom
(04:55):
Birchmore when she was a child. This grooming culminated in
Farewell raping Birchmore in April of 2013, when she was only
15 years old. At the time of this assault,
Farewell was 27 years old. Farewell continued to sexually
abuse Birchmore prior to her 18th birthday.
(05:18):
After Birchmore turned 18 years old, Farewell continued
cultivating a sexual relationship with her that
lasted until her death on February 1st of 2021.
After Birchmore's death, law enforcement agents obtained
Birchmore's cell phones, both Apple iPhones and laptop, and
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reviewed the data on those devices.
During that review, agents discovered messages between
Farewell and Birchmore. The messages confirm that
Farewell frequently communicatedwith Birchmore for years.
The messages also indicate that Farewell had sex with Birchmore
when she was a minor, starting in or around April of 2013, when
(06:04):
Birchmore was 15 and Farewell was 27.
Data from Birchmore's Facebook account reveals aspects of the
beginning of Farewell and Birchmore's online
communications. Specifically, a Facebook data
indicates that Farewell sent Birchmore a Facebook friend
request on October 28th of 2012.At that time, Birchmore was 15
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years old and a participant in the Police Explorers.
Farewell was her 26 year old instructor.
On February 21st of 2019, Birchmore and Farewell had a
text message conversation about Farewell taking Birchmore's
virginity. Birchmore told Farewell that she
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was happy that he quote UN quotetook it.
Later in the same conversation, Farewell acknowledged that it
was a quote UN quote big thing to get to be the first.
In the same text conversation, Farewell also reminisced about
the first time he digitally penetrated Birchmore's vagina.
(07:12):
Discussing the day that occurred, Farewell asked
Birchmore what she would have done if he had told her he
wanted her that day. Birchmore responded that she
would have told him that he could have sex with her after
school. She also recalled the specific
class and seat that she was in when she realized that she was
going to lose her virginity to Farewell.
(07:34):
Based on the investigation, theybelieved that this occurred
during the 2012, 2013 school year when Birchmore was 15 years
old. Additionally, on March 19th of
2019, Farewell asked Birchmore. What would you have done if we
never used a condom and I never pulled out?
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Birchmore reassured Farewell that she would have still
finished school. Birchmore then told Farewell.
I loved prom night. It was worth not going to prom.
On February 11th of 2020, Birchmore and Farewell discussed
the exact day that Farewell took15 year old Birchmore's
(08:16):
virginity. And here's a text message text
message exchange between the two.
Birchmore says. I had butterflies so bad the day
you took my virginity. Farewell says.
Me too. It was such a big day.
Birchmore still know the date tothis day.
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Farewell. Really.
Birchmore. Yes, farewell :) Birchmore.
That's not a date I'll ever forget.
Birchmore again. It was April 10th of 2013.
Best day of my life. Farewell, Me Too on June 19th of
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2020, Birchmore and Farewell hadthe following conversation in
which Farewell reminisced about his past criminal sexual abuse
of Birchmore and this is anothertext message exchange.
Birchmore, I'm glad you agreed to take my virginity though.
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Farewell, Me too. Also Farewell lol.
If I had pushed I absolutely could have fucked you without
condoms from day one. Birchmore probably.
If you really pushed it. Also Birchmore.
I was kind of scared to say no in the beginning not knowing how
(09:48):
you'd take it. So yeah, you would have got no
condoms lol. Text messages between Birchmore
and others confirm that Farewellsexually abused Birchmore as a
child and continued a sexual relationship with her until her
death. For example, on October 5th of
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2020, Birchmore texted one of her friends that Farewell have
been having sex with her for thelast almost 10 years and that
Farewell had taken her virginitybefore she was 16.
On May 20th of 2020, Birchmore told another friend that she had
lost her virginity 5 days beforethe Boston Marathon bombing
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which took place on April 15th of 2013.
Also on October 5th of 2020, Birchmore prepared a draft text
message to Farewell's wife. Birchmore sent this draft text
to her friend mentioned previously.
The text states in part. I am just messaging to inform
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you that your husband Matthew has been cheating on you since
before you guys were even married.
Farewell and his wife got married in May of 2013, shortly
before Birchmore turned 16 yearsold.
There is no known record indicating the draft message was
ever sent to Farewell's wife. Other text messages between
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Farewell and Birchmore demonstrate his sexual interest
in minors. On June 15th of 2019, Farewell
and Birchmore exchanged text messages in which they discussed
role-playing during their next sexual encounter.
Farewell asked Birchmore how oldshe was going to pretend to be
during that encounter. When Birchmore responded 14,
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Farewell replied with a :) emojiand another conversation between
Farewell and Birchmore on February 21st of 2020.
Farewell describes pinning Birchmore down during sex and
ask her, will you say Matt, stop, I'm 13, I'm not ready for
this. Oh my fucking God, please stop.
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This guy is gross and disgusting.
The motion also states that texts were found where Matt
wanted Sandra to pretend that hewas her older brother sneaking
into her room to have sex with her at night.
Agents have also interviewed 1 of Birchmore's relatives who
described being aware that Birchmore would meet with
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Farewell when Birchmore was a minor.
Specifically, this family memberindicated that around the time
Birchmore was a freshman in highschool, she would tell him or
her that she was meeting with Farewell so he could help her
with homework. The agent states that he
reviewed a text message exchangebetween Farewell and Birchmore
from June 17th of 2019, where the two discuss how Farewell had
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helped her test prep at the library.
Farewell told Birchmore that sheshould have told him that she
was interested in having sex with him that day.
Birchmore told him that she was scared to speak up.
Farewell then asked her. Did you think I wouldn't want to
fuck you? Birchmore responded, Yes, And
like, because of my age, I didn't want you to be like, uh,
(13:06):
no. Farewell then told her.
I understand that. In a conversation from April 5th
of 2020, Farewell told Birchmorethat he knew he wanted to take
her virginity when he started helping her with schoolwork.
February 21st of 2020, Birchmoreand Farewell reminisced about
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when they first became sexually active.
And this is another text exchange, Birchmore.
I listened better back then though.
Farewell. I wish it had been a year
sooner. After helping you study in the
library. Also Farewell.
You still listen and give me whatever I want.
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Baby. Birchmore.
I didn't even make you wait a year after that.
Also Birchmore and Good. But I don't think you're going
to get what you want next time. So farewell.
Of course I will. I'll just take it.
Birchmore. That's what you think.
Good luck with that. Farewell.
(14:12):
What was the first day you said?Oh my God.
I want this guy to be my first. I want to feel him inside me.
Birchmore. Yeah.
So 2012 I finally decided that Iwas going to try and find a way
to fuck you and just wasn't surehow.
Birchmore how did you feel when I asked to make your dream come
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true? Farewell.
Amazing Birchmore. Good farewell.
I absolutely would have fucked you in 12, Birchmore.
In 12. Farewell 2012 agents have also
interviewed 1 of Birchmore's childhood friends, who confirmed
that Birchmore would meet Farewell to help with homework.
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Moreover, this friend indicated that Birchmore confided in him
or her that she was meeting withFarewell in early high school to
have sex with him in his police car or his truck.
Text messages between Farewell and Birchmore indicate that on
multiple occasions, Farewell left work during his shifts to
meet and at times engage in sexual activity with Birchmore.
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These encounters occurred at various locations including
Birchmore's previous home in Stoughton, her more recent
apartment in Canton, a Costco parking lot in Stoughton, and a
Five Guys parking lot in Canton.The dates range from April 10th
of 2020 until January 29th of 2021, just a few days before she
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was killed. I also noticed that besides
murder of a witness or victim, Matthew Farewell was being
charged with wire fraud and I couldn't think of any way that
this would be related to Sandra's case, but here it
explains it. The agent has reviewed messages
that reveal that both Farewell and Birchmore knew that some of
their encounters occurred while Farewell was on duty.
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For example, on April 10th of 2020, Farewell wrote, I'm going
to sneak away from work real quick.
On November 24th of 2020, Birchmore asked Farewell if he
would be on duty when the two were scheduled to meet.
Farewell responded, yes, I will be on the clock.
The text messages between Farewell and Birchmore, which
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precedes several of the above listed encounters, contain
statements indicating that the purpose for at least some of the
encounters was to engage in sexual acts.
For example, on several occasions, Farewell sent Birch
more text messages directing herto act as if she was being raped
during the encounter. The Town of Staunton pays
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Staunton police officers on a biweekly basis and or around 2020
and January of 2021, Farewell received his paychecks via
direct deposit to his account atUSAA Federal Savings Bank.
The paycheck funds were deposited in Farewell's account
via automated clearing house transfer.
(17:10):
Each ACH transfer originated outside of Massachusetts and or
traveled through another state before ending up in Farewell's
account. Accordingly, it appears that by
engaging in sexual conduct when he should have been performing
official duties as a police officer, and by obtaining pay
for that time, Farewell may havecommitted wire fraud in
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violation of 18 USC 1343. As is described in detail below,
there is evidence that Farewell killed Birchmore on February 1st
of 2021 to prevent her from disclosing information about his
possible Commission of the federal crimes listed above.
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On October 5th of 2020, Person One told Birchmore that
Farewell's wife was pregnant with the couple's third child.
Person One indicated that the baby was due in February of
2021. Birchmore responded that she was
going to tell Farewell's wife that he had been having sex with
her for nearly ten years. In summary, electronic messages
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between Farewell and Birchmore for the period beginning on or
about October 5th of 2020 through January of 2021 indicate
that Birchmore presented Farewell with an ultimatum.
Farewell would have to agree to engage in unprotected sex with
Birchmore with the goal of conceiving a child, and in
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return, Birchmore promised that she would not disclose their
friend their relationship, even though she had already told
others that Farewell had been having sex with her since before
she was 16 years old, which she knew was a crime.
Birchmore also knew that Farewell was leaving work to
have sex with her while he was on duty as a Stoughton police
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officer, according to text messages between Farewell and
Birchmore. Birchmore sent Farewell a photo
of her ovulation schedule and the two started discussing
timing through sexual encountersaround specific times and
Birchmore's cycle. Approximately 1 week after
Farewell agreed to have unprotected sex in order to
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conceive a child. Farewell and Birchmore had a
disagreement about the terms of their agreement.
The following is an excerpt froma text conversation on October
12th of 2020. Farewell I said the agreement
was once. That was our compromise,
Birchmore. I asked if we could try this
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month. Didn't realize that meant you
fucked me once, lol. And then I asked if we could try
through this year and you said I'd think about it.
The conversation continued on October 13th of 2020.
Farewell. Our compromise was try once.
Birchmore Yeah, it was to try this month.
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Also, Birchmore, so you're thinking about the second thing
I said. As far as the rest of the year,
Farewell, you said try once thismonth.
If it happens, it's meant to be.Those are the exact words.
Text messages indicate that. A few weeks later, Birchmore
continued to discuss trying to get pregnant.
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On November 3rd of 2020, she asked Farewell if they could try
again that month or whether theywould need to talk in person
about that. Farewell responded.
That's an in person discussion. On November 5th of 2020,
Birchmore asked Farewell if he had given any more thought to
their prior conversation and told him that she thought of a
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way they could both be happy. Birchmore, how would you feel
about us having a baby? You being there and signing the
birth certificate? There's never going to be a need
for your information anyway, so you'll be safe there and I won't
talk shit about her or your kids.
That way we both get what we want.
(21:16):
Also, Burchmore, you asked me the other day what I wanted and
I didn't want to give it to you in the form of an ultimatum, so
I am trying to do it with you asa compromise type of thing.
Can you tell me what you thoughtof it?
Also, Burchmore, I'm down for discussing it in person, but the
more I thought about it, you signing it really isn't going to
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have an impact on you because ofthe way things are going to fall
in the future. Farewell, OK, that's an in
person discussion. In November 2020, after
Birchmore learned that she was not yet pregnant, she asked
Farewell about continuing to tryto conceive for another month.
On multiple occasions, Farewell told Birchmore that they would
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need to discuss that topic in person.
Farewell continued to meet with Birchmore in person and text
messages suggest that they remained sexually active.
On December 28th of 2020, Birchmore sent Farewell a text
message informing him that she was pregnant.
She sent him a photo of a posterthat she had made to celebrate
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the pregnancy. It said Congrats, we are going
to be parents. Then a heart in 2021 at the
bottom. Farewell's immediate response to
Birchmore's disclosure about thepregnancy was I literally have
nothing to say right now. How could you express that text
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when I said I don't appreciate it?
Farewell And Birchmore than argued about the pregnancy in
the following text conversation.Farewell.
How far are you, Birchmore? Regardless of how far we're
keeping it. Also Birchmore but 3 1/2 weeks.
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Also Birchmore, which means I conceived this month.
Farewell. OK, well we need to talk then.
Birchmore. No shit, that's obvious.
Also Birchmore and the birth certificate is being signed.
Also Birchmore or hers isn't referring to his baby that his
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wife was eight months pregnant with at this time.
Also Birchmore, no I'm mad you're acting how you are over a
choice we both made. Farewell.
I'm mad you act like you gave anyone a choice Birchmore LMAO.
Oh so you didn't have a choice? Also Birchmore question mark.
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Farewell per usual. You make and do whatever you
want, Birchmore. All I did was say, can I have
it? You said, have what?
And I said, you know what I'm asking for.
And you stood up and said, yeah,also, Birchmore, you've been
doing that. She's due in February and I am
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in September. And you don't know how you're
going to be there for both of us.
And you need to be there during labor for me too, because your
kid should matter. Farewell.
You are truly the worst person on the face of the earth.
After the foregoing conversation, Birchmore again
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threatened to expose the truth about Farewell's prior sexual
abuse and their ongoing relationship.
Farewell responded by indicatingthat Birchmore had threatened
him, causing him to agree to impregnate her.
Farewell for the past week and ahalf.
The doctor was right, wasn't right, but now she was and you
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just throw it at me 'cause now you've got me.
You honestly have absolutely no idea how to treat people.
I have fucking bent over backwards for you.
Now you want to act like this with some free will decision.
You have threatened me from the word go.
If I didn't do and give you whatyou wanted, you would run me.
I made a deal with you and you change the terms at every turn.
(25:18):
We will deal with this tomorrow.On December 29th of 2020,
Farewell and Birchmore met to talk in person.
After this meeting, Birchmore sent Farewell a text alluding to
a physical encounter. Birchmore It made me really
uncomfortable and stressed out and scared when you were next to
me because I thought you were going to hit me after you said
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what you said and took things out of my hand.
That's why I was crying. I know you wouldn't, but it
still scared me. At least three witnesses have
disclosed that in the weeks before her death, Birchmore told
them that Farewell was physically violent.
When Birchmore and Farewell discussed the pregnancy,
according to death records, Birchmore was 4 feet 10 inches
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tall. Military records indicate that
Farewell is 6 foot 4 inches tall.
Person Two reported that in the weeks prior to Birchmore's
death, she was over the moon about her pregnancy.
According to Person 2, Birchmorehad decreased her coffee in
consumption, discussed winter clothes for her future baby, and
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engaged in FaceTime calls with Person 2 while selecting baby
clothes. Person 2 indicated that
Birchmore was nervous about telling farewell about the
pregnancy, but that she eventually did.
In January of 2021, Birchmore called Person 2 and stated that
after telling Farewell about thebaby, Farewell told her that he
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wished she would just die and hewants nothing to do with the
baby. According to the information
Birchmore shared with Person 2, Farewell put Birchmore in a
headlock and grabbed her cell phone from her hand.
Person 2 told Birchmore to distance herself from Farewell
given that he was dangerous, a police officer, and obviously
(27:06):
did not care about the law. However, Person 2 was also aware
that Birchmore appeared to be attached to Farewell because he
had taken her virginity when shewas 15 years old.
Person three also indicated thatin the days before her death,
Birchmore disclosed that Farewell had been violent.
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Approximately 10 days before Birchmore's death, Birchmore in
Person 3 went to Walmart to buy a baby stroller for Birchmore's
future child. Birchmore was excited about the
baby and asked Person 3 to be the child's godmother.
Birchmore told Person three thatthe day prior, Farewell had
gotten angry with her for showing him a fetal sonogram.
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According to Birchmore, Farewelltold her that's not my child, I
don't want anything really to dowith you.
And then Farewell pushed her to the ground.
Person 3 told Birchmore to end the relationship with Farewell.
Person 3 indicated that Birchmore seemed scared but not
ready to leave Farewell because Farewell had been such a big
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part of Birchmore's life for several years.
In January 2021, the pressure onFarewell increased as a result
of Birchmore's pregnancy. Birchmore tried to communicate
with Farewell regarding her due date, ultrasounds, genetic
testing, gender reveals, and doctor appointments.
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In his text response, Farewell was unresponsive to or
dismissive of those topics or heappeared to ignore them.
On January 4th of 2021, Birchmore told Farewell that she
was going to the doctor the nextday and asked if he wanted to
know how the appointment went. Farewell did not directly
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respond to that question. On January 5th of 2021,
Birchmore asked Farewell to comeover so they could discuss her
estimated due date, the week of her first ultrasound, her
conversation with her doctor, and her first appointment.
Farewell did not respond directly to that request.
(29:14):
Text messages from January 3rd of 2021 show that Birchmore
asked Farewell if their child could have his last name.
However, he told her he would not discuss that issue via text
message. Birchmore.
So I have a compromise for you. Also, Birchmore, you don't need
to sign the birth certificate ifthe baby can have your last
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name. Farewell not discussing in text,
We can talk in person And another text message.
On January 6th of 2021, Birchmore began to ask Farewell
what their family would look like.
Birchmore, you don't have to sign the birth certificate if
I'm allowed to at least list youand they can have your name.
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And I won't move to Stoughton, which is the town where
Farewell's family resides. Also, Birchmore, I won't bitch
about holidays, but I would likeyou to come a few days before
Christmas and Easter so you can see what they get from me.
And I don't want you to leave them out.
(30:18):
And if you want to try and support them, we could talk
about that. But I do want you to see them.
Also, Birchmore I feel like I'm trying to be as fair as I can
and I want you to be there for labor that I'm standing my
ground on. Farewell.
OK, We could discuss this more in person.
Birchmore OK, I figured, does itkind of sound OK to you?
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Farewell. It's a lot to think about.
It's so much more than you ever asked before Birchmore, and
still less than what any other girl would ask for.
On January 20th, 2021, Person 2 called the Stoughton Police
Department, and in that call referenced the sexual
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relationship between Birchmore and Farewell.
After learning about this call, the fact of which suggested at
least some aspects of Farewell'sillicit conduct may have been
exposed to the Stoughton Police Department, Farewell sent
Birchmore text messages revealing his extreme anger.
He sent her a series of text messages with explicitive,
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telling Birchmore that he got noone knew about their
relationship, that she had no clue how bad this was, and
indicating that he does not knowif he needs to worry about other
disclosures. Farewell, dude, your fucking
friend caught my job. Sandra, what the fuck?
Birchmore Question mark. Farewell.
(31:50):
Your friend. He then gives person to his
name. Just called my fucking work to
complain about me. What the fuck?
Birchmore? I don't know.
Farewell. What do you mean you don't know
Birchmore? I literally just woke up.
Farewell. Did you steal from her,
Birchmore? Nope.
(32:11):
Farewell. What is going on?
All so farewell. You also told me that no one
knew about us yet she claimed weare fucking Birchmore.
It's literally nothing. Farewell.
It's not nothing. She called my job.
That's insane. All so farewell.
Why would she call and drop my fucking name Sandra?
(32:31):
Like what do I have to do with you not giving her something?
All so farewell Like you have noidea how bad what she did is.
Also farewell. I literally can't believe this
is even real life. Like what else do I have to
worry about now? Which other friend will do
something tomorrow? During the investigation,
(32:52):
investigators interviewed PersonFive, who is an employee of the
Stoughton Police Department. They had received a call from
Person 2 on January 20th of 2021.
Person 5 indicated that he or she took down Person 2's name
and information and gave it to Farewell.
Person 5 indicated that Farewellimmediately got angry and pissed
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off, and ordered Person 5 not tospeak about this to anyone and
to never talk about it again. Person 5 described Farewell's
reaction as atypical and not consistent with his normal
behavior. On January 24th of 2021,
approximately 1 week prior to Birchmore's death, she
(33:33):
communicated with Person 8 aboutFarewell Birchmore.
So the father came by last night.
It was like a complete 360 change.
Person 8180 Birchmore. Yeah lol.
Person 8 good or bad? Birchmore good, but unexpected.
(33:54):
So it kind of threw me off. It made me a little
uncomfortable, but that's because of how things were
going. He asked me if I'd give him a
key and said that if I kept it asecret, he'll be around and see
them and all that. So it's somewhere.
Then he looked in my closet and then the bathroom.
But I don't know why I haven't figured that out.
(34:15):
Birchmore We started to have a heart to heart.
Then work called him, so he had to leave.
Also Birchmore. Oh, and he brought me a ginger
ale because I ran out. Person 8.
What about the birth certificate?
BIRCHMORE I think he's signing it, Not sure.
Also, Birchmore, He's coming back again this week.
(34:36):
Birchmore. But it was like a complete 180
from where we were at. This was the conclusion came to
by the FBI agent on the case based on his training and
experience. He believed that Farewell shift
and demeanor on or about this date was his attempt to appease
Birchmore until he could kill her.
(34:57):
Additionally, the foregoing textmessages, considered in light of
the other evidence, suggests that Farewell was making a plan
to kill Birchmore. Part of that plan included
asking Birchmore to give him a key and keep it secret.
Another part of that plan was inspecting various rooms of
Birchmore's apartment, includingthe closet, to determine whether
(35:19):
they contained items or presented options for how and
when to kill Birchmore. According to text messages
Birchmore and Farewell exchangedon January 29th of 2021,
Birchmore again gave Farewell a passcode to her building's front
door, and Farewell verified thatthe code was the general one
given to the entire building, not just one assigned to her.
(35:44):
It seemed he wanted to make surethey couldn't associate him
entering the building that nightto Sandra.
Farewell requesting or acceptinga key to Birchmore's apartment
was a sudden change from recent conversations.
A review that investigators did of text messages between
Farewell and Birchmore when as recent as October 14th of 2020,
(36:07):
Farewell had told her that he did not think it was a good idea
for him to keep a key to her apartment in Canton.
In a conversation with her friend Person 9 on January 24th
of 2021, Birchmore indicated that she was surprised that
Farewell was now requesting a key to her apartment.
(36:28):
Person 9. Did it go good with him,
Birchmore? I got a hit.
I got hit with a shocker question.
Can I call you Birchmore? So what?
Really. So what really?
Well, surprisingly him. He asked if he could have a key
and basically said he'll be around as long as I keep it a
secret and don't tell anybody. Also Birchmore.
(36:52):
But he did admit that I do have the upper hand in the situation
was, which isn't a good thing, but I'm trying to not be that
person, if you know what I mean.Person 9.
I get it. Are you going to give him a key?
Birchmore? I just made a copy of it.
Yeah. Person 9.
That's good. Birchmore.
I'm not going to give it to him yet, but he also brought me a
(37:14):
ginger ale last night like I asked him.
Person 9, He's coming around Birchmore a lot more than I
thought he was going to. Yes.
Also Birchmore. I still have to verify the pin
for him to get into the apartment.
If he rings me and I don't answer, Also Birchmore.
(37:34):
But like last night he opened mycloset door for something and
then he went to my bathroom and looked around and then he asked
why I had a Dolly in my living room.
It was just really odd. He started looking around.
I don't know, Person 9, That's weird.
Birchmore. Yeah, it was really weird.
According to text messages between Farewell and Birchmore,
(37:56):
2 days before Birchmore's death,she continued to engage Farewell
about planning for the birth of their child.
January 30th of 2021. Birchmore asked Farewell if she
could tell him the baby name shewas considering.
Farewell told her he would rather discuss that topic in
person. Leading up to the February 1st
(38:17):
of 2021, Birchmore planned for other important baby related
events, such as who would care for her cats when she went into
labor. She ordered baby items and
conducted Google searches related to her pregnancy and
featured child rearing decisions.
She also planned for newborn baby photos and official
pregnancy announcement, which she planned to do on Valentine's
(38:38):
Day, as well as a gender reveal.She also made plans for her more
immediate feature, scheduling anOBGYN appointment for February
10th of 2021 and asking farewellto help shovel her car during
the impending snowstorms. These were the actions of
someone preparing for their future, excited about their life
(39:00):
with their baby, and someone looking forward to being the
best mom possible, not someone who wanted to take their life.
Next, we are going to talk aboutthe day that Sandra died and
what happened after she was found, but that will have to
wait until next week. For photos from this case, check
out the Victim's Voice on Facebook and come back next week
(39:21):
for the conclusion to the case of Sandra Birchmore.
Hello everyone, welcome back to The Victim's Voice.
I am your host, Lorelai. This week we will be continuing
our coverage of the Sandra Birchmore case.
Last week we talked about the three police officers that had
taken advantage of Sandra, the internal investigation that the
Chief of Police initiated to look into their misconduct, and
(00:58):
how the family asked a world renowned forensic pathologist to
look at Sandra's autopsy report.Then on August 28th of 2024,
Matthew Farewell, one of the three Staunton officers was
indicted by a grand jury and arrested for the murder of
Sandra Birchmore. Today we are going to go over
(01:20):
the indictment and some of the text messages and Facebook
messages between Matthew Farewell and Sandra.
We know that this past June the Birchmore family hired Doctor
Michael Baden to do a private autopsy on Sandra.
Doctor Baden is well known forensic pathologist that has
been involved in many high profile cases.
(01:42):
After looking over the case and doing the autopsy, he found that
Sandra had a fractured hyoid bone, which led him to believe
that Sandra's death wasn't a suicide but instead a homicide.
But after Doctor Baden's findings and Chief McNamara's
press conference, everything wasquiet for a couple of months.
(02:02):
Nothing was being done by Cantonor the state police in
Massachusetts. Chief McNamara wanted to do
something, but it was out of herjurisdiction.
That is until a press conferencehappened on Wednesday, August
28th of 2024. That's when they announced that
they had arrested Matthew Farewell on federal charges for
(02:22):
murder of a witness or victim, which carries a mandatory
sentence of death or life in prison.
Though it wasn't the Canton Police that investigated Matthew
Farewell and it wasn't even the Massachusetts State Police, it
was the FBI that stepped in and made sure that the person who
took Sanders life was held accountable.
(02:45):
Once again Canton PD and MSP areshowing how incapable and
corrupt they are, just as they have been the John O'Keefe and
Karen Reed case where the FBI had to also step in.
Why were they so quick to rule Sanders death of suicide?
Let's go over the indictment andsee what it says.
(03:06):
It states how Matthew Farewell became a police officer in 2012
and also served as an instructorfor the Explorers program.
It talks about how Sandra joinedthe Explorers in the spring of
2010 and participated until 2016.
It states that before Sandra was16 years old, Matthew Farewell
(03:28):
engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with
Sandra and that the sexual contact continued until in or
around early of 2021, which is up until she died.
Basically, Matthew had told themthat he had no sexual contact
with Sandra since October 2020. So that was determined to be a
(03:49):
lie and also states that during the time that Matthew was
supposed to be doing his duties as a police officer, he was
instead engaging in sexual activities with a minor, Sandra.
He failed to disclose this to the department and took steps to
hide his conduct from the department.
(04:10):
This is a statement made to reporters on Wednesday by the US
Attorney for Massachusetts, Joshua Levy.
Quote, when it became clear thatMister Farewell could no longer
control Sandra Birchmore, he allegedly silenced her
permanently. He allegedly attempted to cover
his tracks to literally try and get away with murder and he
(04:32):
almost did. End Quote.
They have also filed a motion for detention to keep Matthew
Farewell in jail with no bond until his trial.
They have released information proving that he has a potential
danger to the community and the motion was granted.
The indictment further states that Farewell began to groom
(04:55):
Birchmore when she was a child. This grooming culminated in
Farewell raping Birchmore in April of 2013, when she was only
15 years old. At the time of this assault,
Farewell was 27 years old. Farewell continued to sexually
abuse Birchmore prior to her 18th birthday.
(05:18):
After Birchmore turned 18 years old, Farewell continued
cultivating a sexual relationship with her that
lasted until her death on February 1st of 2021.
After Birchmore's death, law enforcement agents obtained
Birchmore's cell phones, both Apple iPhones and laptop, and
(05:39):
reviewed the data on those devices.
During that review, agents discovered messages between
Farewell and Birchmore. The messages confirm that
Farewell frequently communicatedwith Birchmore for years.
The messages also indicate that Farewell had sex with Birchmore
when she was a minor, starting in or around April of 2013, when
(06:04):
Birchmore was 15 and Farewell was 27.
Data from Birchmore's Facebook account reveals aspects of the
beginning of Farewell and Birchmore's online
communications. Specifically, a Facebook data
indicates that Farewell sent Birchmore a Facebook friend
request on October 28th of 2012.At that time, Birchmore was 15
(06:28):
years old and a participant in the Police Explorers.
Farewell was her 26 year old instructor.
On February 21st of 2019, Birchmore and Farewell had a
text message conversation about Farewell taking Birchmore's
virginity. Birchmore told Farewell that she
(06:49):
was happy that he quote UN quotetook it.
Later in the same conversation, Farewell acknowledged that it
was a quote UN quote big thing to get to be the first.
In the same text conversation, Farewell also reminisced about
the first time he digitally penetrated Birchmore's vagina.
(07:12):
Discussing the day that occurred, Farewell asked
Birchmore what she would have done if he had told her he
wanted her that day. Birchmore responded that she
would have told him that he could have sex with her after
school. She also recalled the specific
class and seat that she was in when she realized that she was
going to lose her virginity to Farewell.
(07:34):
Based on the investigation, theybelieved that this occurred
during the 2012, 2013 school year when Birchmore was 15 years
old. Additionally, on March 19th of
2019, Farewell asked Birchmore. What would you have done if we
never used a condom and I never pulled out?
(07:55):
Birchmore reassured Farewell that she would have still
finished school. Birchmore then told Farewell.
I loved prom night. It was worth not going to prom.
On February 11th of 2020, Birchmore and Farewell discussed
the exact day that Farewell took15 year old Birchmore's
(08:16):
virginity. And here's a text message text
message exchange between the two.
Birchmore says. I had butterflies so bad the day
you took my virginity. Farewell says.
Me too. It was such a big day.
Birchmore still know the date tothis day.
(08:40):
Farewell. Really.
Birchmore. Yes, farewell :) Birchmore.
That's not a date I'll ever forget.
Birchmore again. It was April 10th of 2013.
Best day of my life. Farewell, Me Too on June 19th of
(09:05):
2020, Birchmore and Farewell hadthe following conversation in
which Farewell reminisced about his past criminal sexual abuse
of Birchmore and this is anothertext message exchange.
Birchmore, I'm glad you agreed to take my virginity though.
(09:26):
Farewell, Me too. Also Farewell lol.
If I had pushed I absolutely could have fucked you without
condoms from day one. Birchmore probably.
If you really pushed it. Also Birchmore.
I was kind of scared to say no in the beginning not knowing how
(09:48):
you'd take it. So yeah, you would have got no
condoms lol. Text messages between Birchmore
and others confirm that Farewellsexually abused Birchmore as a
child and continued a sexual relationship with her until her
death. For example, on October 5th of
(10:09):
2020, Birchmore texted one of her friends that Farewell have
been having sex with her for thelast almost 10 years and that
Farewell had taken her virginitybefore she was 16.
On May 20th of 2020, Birchmore told another friend that she had
lost her virginity 5 days beforethe Boston Marathon bombing
(10:31):
which took place on April 15th of 2013.
Also on October 5th of 2020, Birchmore prepared a draft text
message to Farewell's wife. Birchmore sent this draft text
to her friend mentioned previously.
The text states in part. I am just messaging to inform
(10:53):
you that your husband Matthew has been cheating on you since
before you guys were even married.
Farewell and his wife got married in May of 2013, shortly
before Birchmore turned 16 yearsold.
There is no known record indicating the draft message was
ever sent to Farewell's wife. Other text messages between
(11:15):
Farewell and Birchmore demonstrate his sexual interest
in minors. On June 15th of 2019, Farewell
and Birchmore exchanged text messages in which they discussed
role-playing during their next sexual encounter.
Farewell asked Birchmore how oldshe was going to pretend to be
during that encounter. When Birchmore responded 14,
(11:35):
Farewell replied with a :) emojiand another conversation between
Farewell and Birchmore on February 21st of 2020.
Farewell describes pinning Birchmore down during sex and
ask her, will you say Matt, stop, I'm 13, I'm not ready for
this. Oh my fucking God, please stop.
(11:57):
This guy is gross and disgusting.
The motion also states that texts were found where Matt
wanted Sandra to pretend that hewas her older brother sneaking
into her room to have sex with her at night.
Agents have also interviewed 1 of Birchmore's relatives who
described being aware that Birchmore would meet with
(12:19):
Farewell when Birchmore was a minor.
Specifically, this family memberindicated that around the time
Birchmore was a freshman in highschool, she would tell him or
her that she was meeting with Farewell so he could help her
with homework. The agent states that he
reviewed a text message exchangebetween Farewell and Birchmore
from June 17th of 2019, where the two discuss how Farewell had
(12:44):
helped her test prep at the library.
Farewell told Birchmore that sheshould have told him that she
was interested in having sex with him that day.
Birchmore told him that she was scared to speak up.
Farewell then asked her. Did you think I wouldn't want to
fuck you? Birchmore responded, Yes, And
like, because of my age, I didn't want you to be like, uh,
(13:06):
no. Farewell then told her.
I understand that. In a conversation from April 5th
of 2020, Farewell told Birchmorethat he knew he wanted to take
her virginity when he started helping her with schoolwork.
February 21st of 2020, Birchmoreand Farewell reminisced about
(13:28):
when they first became sexually active.
And this is another text exchange, Birchmore.
I listened better back then though.
Farewell. I wish it had been a year
sooner. After helping you study in the
library. Also Farewell.
You still listen and give me whatever I want.
(13:49):
Baby. Birchmore.
I didn't even make you wait a year after that.
Also Birchmore and Good. But I don't think you're going
to get what you want next time. So farewell.
Of course I will. I'll just take it.
Birchmore. That's what you think.
Good luck with that. Farewell.
(14:12):
What was the first day you said?Oh my God.
I want this guy to be my first. I want to feel him inside me.
Birchmore. Yeah.
So 2012 I finally decided that Iwas going to try and find a way
to fuck you and just wasn't surehow.
Birchmore how did you feel when I asked to make your dream come
(14:32):
true? Farewell.
Amazing Birchmore. Good farewell.
I absolutely would have fucked you in 12, Birchmore.
In 12. Farewell 2012 agents have also
interviewed 1 of Birchmore's childhood friends, who confirmed
that Birchmore would meet Farewell to help with homework.
(14:56):
Moreover, this friend indicated that Birchmore confided in him
or her that she was meeting withFarewell in early high school to
have sex with him in his police car or his truck.
Text messages between Farewell and Birchmore indicate that on
multiple occasions, Farewell left work during his shifts to
meet and at times engage in sexual activity with Birchmore.
(15:19):
These encounters occurred at various locations including
Birchmore's previous home in Stoughton, her more recent
apartment in Canton, a Costco parking lot in Stoughton, and a
Five Guys parking lot in Canton.The dates range from April 10th
of 2020 until January 29th of 2021, just a few days before she
(15:42):
was killed. I also noticed that besides
murder of a witness or victim, Matthew Farewell was being
charged with wire fraud and I couldn't think of any way that
this would be related to Sandra's case, but here it
explains it. The agent has reviewed messages
that reveal that both Farewell and Birchmore knew that some of
their encounters occurred while Farewell was on duty.
(16:05):
For example, on April 10th of 2020, Farewell wrote, I'm going
to sneak away from work real quick.
On November 24th of 2020, Birchmore asked Farewell if he
would be on duty when the two were scheduled to meet.
Farewell responded, yes, I will be on the clock.
The text messages between Farewell and Birchmore, which
(16:28):
precedes several of the above listed encounters, contain
statements indicating that the purpose for at least some of the
encounters was to engage in sexual acts.
For example, on several occasions, Farewell sent Birch
more text messages directing herto act as if she was being raped
during the encounter. The Town of Staunton pays
(16:49):
Staunton police officers on a biweekly basis and or around 2020
and January of 2021, Farewell received his paychecks via
direct deposit to his account atUSAA Federal Savings Bank.
The paycheck funds were deposited in Farewell's account
via automated clearing house transfer.
(17:10):
Each ACH transfer originated outside of Massachusetts and or
traveled through another state before ending up in Farewell's
account. Accordingly, it appears that by
engaging in sexual conduct when he should have been performing
official duties as a police officer, and by obtaining pay
for that time, Farewell may havecommitted wire fraud in
(17:34):
violation of 18 USC 1343. As is described in detail below,
there is evidence that Farewell killed Birchmore on February 1st
of 2021 to prevent her from disclosing information about his
possible Commission of the federal crimes listed above.
(17:56):
On October 5th of 2020, Person One told Birchmore that
Farewell's wife was pregnant with the couple's third child.
Person One indicated that the baby was due in February of
2021. Birchmore responded that she was
going to tell Farewell's wife that he had been having sex with
her for nearly ten years. In summary, electronic messages
(18:20):
between Farewell and Birchmore for the period beginning on or
about October 5th of 2020 through January of 2021 indicate
that Birchmore presented Farewell with an ultimatum.
Farewell would have to agree to engage in unprotected sex with
Birchmore with the goal of conceiving a child, and in
(18:42):
return, Birchmore promised that she would not disclose their
friend their relationship, even though she had already told
others that Farewell had been having sex with her since before
she was 16 years old, which she knew was a crime.
Birchmore also knew that Farewell was leaving work to
have sex with her while he was on duty as a Stoughton police
(19:04):
officer, according to text messages between Farewell and
Birchmore. Birchmore sent Farewell a photo
of her ovulation schedule and the two started discussing
timing through sexual encountersaround specific times and
Birchmore's cycle. Approximately 1 week after
Farewell agreed to have unprotected sex in order to
(19:27):
conceive a child. Farewell and Birchmore had a
disagreement about the terms of their agreement.
The following is an excerpt froma text conversation on October
12th of 2020. Farewell I said the agreement
was once. That was our compromise,
Birchmore. I asked if we could try this
(19:48):
month. Didn't realize that meant you
fucked me once, lol. And then I asked if we could try
through this year and you said I'd think about it.
The conversation continued on October 13th of 2020.
Farewell. Our compromise was try once.
Birchmore Yeah, it was to try this month.
(20:12):
Also, Birchmore, so you're thinking about the second thing
I said. As far as the rest of the year,
Farewell, you said try once thismonth.
If it happens, it's meant to be.Those are the exact words.
Text messages indicate that. A few weeks later, Birchmore
continued to discuss trying to get pregnant.
(20:32):
On November 3rd of 2020, she asked Farewell if they could try
again that month or whether theywould need to talk in person
about that. Farewell responded.
That's an in person discussion. On November 5th of 2020,
Birchmore asked Farewell if he had given any more thought to
their prior conversation and told him that she thought of a
(20:53):
way they could both be happy. Birchmore, how would you feel
about us having a baby? You being there and signing the
birth certificate? There's never going to be a need
for your information anyway, so you'll be safe there and I won't
talk shit about her or your kids.
That way we both get what we want.
(21:16):
Also, Burchmore, you asked me the other day what I wanted and
I didn't want to give it to you in the form of an ultimatum, so
I am trying to do it with you asa compromise type of thing.
Can you tell me what you thoughtof it?
Also, Burchmore, I'm down for discussing it in person, but the
more I thought about it, you signing it really isn't going to
(21:39):
have an impact on you because ofthe way things are going to fall
in the future. Farewell, OK, that's an in
person discussion. In November 2020, after
Birchmore learned that she was not yet pregnant, she asked
Farewell about continuing to tryto conceive for another month.
On multiple occasions, Farewell told Birchmore that they would
(22:02):
need to discuss that topic in person.
Farewell continued to meet with Birchmore in person and text
messages suggest that they remained sexually active.
On December 28th of 2020, Birchmore sent Farewell a text
message informing him that she was pregnant.
She sent him a photo of a posterthat she had made to celebrate
(22:24):
the pregnancy. It said Congrats, we are going
to be parents. Then a heart in 2021 at the
bottom. Farewell's immediate response to
Birchmore's disclosure about thepregnancy was I literally have
nothing to say right now. How could you express that text
(22:44):
when I said I don't appreciate it?
Farewell And Birchmore than argued about the pregnancy in
the following text conversation.Farewell.
How far are you, Birchmore? Regardless of how far we're
keeping it. Also Birchmore but 3 1/2 weeks.
(23:06):
Also Birchmore, which means I conceived this month.
Farewell. OK, well we need to talk then.
Birchmore. No shit, that's obvious.
Also Birchmore and the birth certificate is being signed.
Also Birchmore or hers isn't referring to his baby that his
(23:30):
wife was eight months pregnant with at this time.
Also Birchmore, no I'm mad you're acting how you are over a
choice we both made. Farewell.
I'm mad you act like you gave anyone a choice Birchmore LMAO.
Oh so you didn't have a choice? Also Birchmore question mark.
(23:55):
Farewell per usual. You make and do whatever you
want, Birchmore. All I did was say, can I have
it? You said, have what?
And I said, you know what I'm asking for.
And you stood up and said, yeah,also, Birchmore, you've been
doing that. She's due in February and I am
(24:16):
in September. And you don't know how you're
going to be there for both of us.
And you need to be there during labor for me too, because your
kid should matter. Farewell.
You are truly the worst person on the face of the earth.
After the foregoing conversation, Birchmore again
(24:37):
threatened to expose the truth about Farewell's prior sexual
abuse and their ongoing relationship.
Farewell responded by indicatingthat Birchmore had threatened
him, causing him to agree to impregnate her.
Farewell for the past week and ahalf.
The doctor was right, wasn't right, but now she was and you
(24:57):
just throw it at me 'cause now you've got me.
You honestly have absolutely no idea how to treat people.
I have fucking bent over backwards for you.
Now you want to act like this with some free will decision.
You have threatened me from the word go.
If I didn't do and give you whatyou wanted, you would run me.
I made a deal with you and you change the terms at every turn.
(25:18):
We will deal with this tomorrow.On December 29th of 2020,
Farewell and Birchmore met to talk in person.
After this meeting, Birchmore sent Farewell a text alluding to
a physical encounter. Birchmore It made me really
uncomfortable and stressed out and scared when you were next to
me because I thought you were going to hit me after you said
(25:41):
what you said and took things out of my hand.
That's why I was crying. I know you wouldn't, but it
still scared me. At least three witnesses have
disclosed that in the weeks before her death, Birchmore told
them that Farewell was physically violent.
When Birchmore and Farewell discussed the pregnancy,
according to death records, Birchmore was 4 feet 10 inches
(26:01):
tall. Military records indicate that
Farewell is 6 foot 4 inches tall.
Person Two reported that in the weeks prior to Birchmore's
death, she was over the moon about her pregnancy.
According to Person 2, Birchmorehad decreased her coffee in
consumption, discussed winter clothes for her future baby, and
(26:22):
engaged in FaceTime calls with Person 2 while selecting baby
clothes. Person 2 indicated that
Birchmore was nervous about telling farewell about the
pregnancy, but that she eventually did.
In January of 2021, Birchmore called Person 2 and stated that
after telling Farewell about thebaby, Farewell told her that he
(26:43):
wished she would just die and hewants nothing to do with the
baby. According to the information
Birchmore shared with Person 2, Farewell put Birchmore in a
headlock and grabbed her cell phone from her hand.
Person 2 told Birchmore to distance herself from Farewell
given that he was dangerous, a police officer, and obviously
(27:06):
did not care about the law. However, Person 2 was also aware
that Birchmore appeared to be attached to Farewell because he
had taken her virginity when shewas 15 years old.
Person three also indicated thatin the days before her death,
Birchmore disclosed that Farewell had been violent.
(27:27):
Approximately 10 days before Birchmore's death, Birchmore in
Person 3 went to Walmart to buy a baby stroller for Birchmore's
future child. Birchmore was excited about the
baby and asked Person 3 to be the child's godmother.
Birchmore told Person three thatthe day prior, Farewell had
gotten angry with her for showing him a fetal sonogram.
(27:50):
According to Birchmore, Farewelltold her that's not my child, I
don't want anything really to dowith you.
And then Farewell pushed her to the ground.
Person 3 told Birchmore to end the relationship with Farewell.
Person 3 indicated that Birchmore seemed scared but not
ready to leave Farewell because Farewell had been such a big
(28:10):
part of Birchmore's life for several years.
In January 2021, the pressure onFarewell increased as a result
of Birchmore's pregnancy. Birchmore tried to communicate
with Farewell regarding her due date, ultrasounds, genetic
testing, gender reveals, and doctor appointments.
(28:32):
In his text response, Farewell was unresponsive to or
dismissive of those topics or heappeared to ignore them.
On January 4th of 2021, Birchmore told Farewell that she
was going to the doctor the nextday and asked if he wanted to
know how the appointment went. Farewell did not directly
(28:52):
respond to that question. On January 5th of 2021,
Birchmore asked Farewell to comeover so they could discuss her
estimated due date, the week of her first ultrasound, her
conversation with her doctor, and her first appointment.
Farewell did not respond directly to that request.
(29:14):
Text messages from January 3rd of 2021 show that Birchmore
asked Farewell if their child could have his last name.
However, he told her he would not discuss that issue via text
message. Birchmore.
So I have a compromise for you. Also, Birchmore, you don't need
to sign the birth certificate ifthe baby can have your last
(29:36):
name. Farewell not discussing in text,
We can talk in person And another text message.
On January 6th of 2021, Birchmore began to ask Farewell
what their family would look like.
Birchmore, you don't have to sign the birth certificate if
I'm allowed to at least list youand they can have your name.
(29:58):
And I won't move to Stoughton, which is the town where
Farewell's family resides. Also, Birchmore, I won't bitch
about holidays, but I would likeyou to come a few days before
Christmas and Easter so you can see what they get from me.
And I don't want you to leave them out.
(30:18):
And if you want to try and support them, we could talk
about that. But I do want you to see them.
Also, Birchmore I feel like I'm trying to be as fair as I can
and I want you to be there for labor that I'm standing my
ground on. Farewell.
OK, We could discuss this more in person.
Birchmore OK, I figured, does itkind of sound OK to you?
(30:42):
Farewell. It's a lot to think about.
It's so much more than you ever asked before Birchmore, and
still less than what any other girl would ask for.
On January 20th, 2021, Person 2 called the Stoughton Police
Department, and in that call referenced the sexual
(31:03):
relationship between Birchmore and Farewell.
After learning about this call, the fact of which suggested at
least some aspects of Farewell'sillicit conduct may have been
exposed to the Stoughton Police Department, Farewell sent
Birchmore text messages revealing his extreme anger.
He sent her a series of text messages with explicitive,
(31:27):
telling Birchmore that he got noone knew about their
relationship, that she had no clue how bad this was, and
indicating that he does not knowif he needs to worry about other
disclosures. Farewell, dude, your fucking
friend caught my job. Sandra, what the fuck?
Birchmore Question mark. Farewell.
(31:50):
Your friend. He then gives person to his
name. Just called my fucking work to
complain about me. What the fuck?
Birchmore? I don't know.
Farewell. What do you mean you don't know
Birchmore? I literally just woke up.
Farewell. Did you steal from her,
Birchmore? Nope.
(32:11):
Farewell. What is going on?
All so farewell. You also told me that no one
knew about us yet she claimed weare fucking Birchmore.
It's literally nothing. Farewell.
It's not nothing. She called my job.
That's insane. All so farewell.
Why would she call and drop my fucking name Sandra?
(32:31):
Like what do I have to do with you not giving her something?
All so farewell Like you have noidea how bad what she did is.
Also farewell. I literally can't believe this
is even real life. Like what else do I have to
worry about now? Which other friend will do
something tomorrow? During the investigation,
(32:52):
investigators interviewed PersonFive, who is an employee of the
Stoughton Police Department. They had received a call from
Person 2 on January 20th of 2021.
Person 5 indicated that he or she took down Person 2's name
and information and gave it to Farewell.
Person 5 indicated that Farewellimmediately got angry and pissed
(33:12):
off, and ordered Person 5 not tospeak about this to anyone and
to never talk about it again. Person 5 described Farewell's
reaction as atypical and not consistent with his normal
behavior. On January 24th of 2021,
approximately 1 week prior to Birchmore's death, she
(33:33):
communicated with Person 8 aboutFarewell Birchmore.
So the father came by last night.
It was like a complete 360 change.
Person 8180 Birchmore. Yeah lol.
Person 8 good or bad? Birchmore good, but unexpected.
(33:54):
So it kind of threw me off. It made me a little
uncomfortable, but that's because of how things were
going. He asked me if I'd give him a
key and said that if I kept it asecret, he'll be around and see
them and all that. So it's somewhere.
Then he looked in my closet and then the bathroom.
But I don't know why I haven't figured that out.
(34:15):
Birchmore We started to have a heart to heart.
Then work called him, so he had to leave.
Also Birchmore. Oh, and he brought me a ginger
ale because I ran out. Person 8.
What about the birth certificate?
BIRCHMORE I think he's signing it, Not sure.
Also, Birchmore, He's coming back again this week.
(34:36):
Birchmore. But it was like a complete 180
from where we were at. This was the conclusion came to
by the FBI agent on the case based on his training and
experience. He believed that Farewell shift
and demeanor on or about this date was his attempt to appease
Birchmore until he could kill her.
(34:57):
Additionally, the foregoing textmessages, considered in light of
the other evidence, suggests that Farewell was making a plan
to kill Birchmore. Part of that plan included
asking Birchmore to give him a key and keep it secret.
Another part of that plan was inspecting various rooms of
Birchmore's apartment, includingthe closet, to determine whether
(35:19):
they contained items or presented options for how and
when to kill Birchmore. According to text messages
Birchmore and Farewell exchangedon January 29th of 2021,
Birchmore again gave Farewell a passcode to her building's front
door, and Farewell verified thatthe code was the general one
given to the entire building, not just one assigned to her.
(35:44):
It seemed he wanted to make surethey couldn't associate him
entering the building that nightto Sandra.
Farewell requesting or acceptinga key to Birchmore's apartment
was a sudden change from recent conversations.
A review that investigators did of text messages between
Farewell and Birchmore when as recent as October 14th of 2020,
(36:07):
Farewell had told her that he did not think it was a good idea
for him to keep a key to her apartment in Canton.
In a conversation with her friend Person 9 on January 24th
of 2021, Birchmore indicated that she was surprised that
Farewell was now requesting a key to her apartment.
(36:28):
Person 9. Did it go good with him,
Birchmore? I got a hit.
I got hit with a shocker question.
Can I call you Birchmore? So what?
Really. So what really?
Well, surprisingly him. He asked if he could have a key
and basically said he'll be around as long as I keep it a
secret and don't tell anybody. Also Birchmore.
(36:52):
But he did admit that I do have the upper hand in the situation
was, which isn't a good thing, but I'm trying to not be that
person, if you know what I mean.Person 9.
I get it. Are you going to give him a key?
Birchmore? I just made a copy of it.
Yeah. Person 9.
That's good. Birchmore.
I'm not going to give it to him yet, but he also brought me a
(37:14):
ginger ale last night like I asked him.
Person 9, He's coming around Birchmore a lot more than I
thought he was going to. Yes.
Also Birchmore. I still have to verify the pin
for him to get into the apartment.
If he rings me and I don't answer, Also Birchmore.
(37:34):
But like last night he opened mycloset door for something and
then he went to my bathroom and looked around and then he asked
why I had a Dolly in my living room.
It was just really odd. He started looking around.
I don't know, Person 9, That's weird.
Birchmore. Yeah, it was really weird.
According to text messages between Farewell and Birchmore,
(37:56):
2 days before Birchmore's death,she continued to engage Farewell
about planning for the birth of their child.
January 30th of 2021. Birchmore asked Farewell if she
could tell him the baby name shewas considering.
Farewell told her he would rather discuss that topic in
person. Leading up to the February 1st
(38:17):
of 2021, Birchmore planned for other important baby related
events, such as who would care for her cats when she went into
labor. She ordered baby items and
conducted Google searches related to her pregnancy and
featured child rearing decisions.
She also planned for newborn baby photos and official
pregnancy announcement, which she planned to do on Valentine's
(38:38):
Day, as well as a gender reveal.She also made plans for her more
immediate feature, scheduling anOBGYN appointment for February
10th of 2021 and asking farewellto help shovel her car during
the impending snowstorms. These were the actions of
someone preparing for their future, excited about their life
(39:00):
with their baby, and someone looking forward to being the
best mom possible, not someone who wanted to take their life.
Next, we are going to talk aboutthe day that Sandra died and
what happened after she was found, but that will have to
wait until next week. For photos from this case, check
out the Victim's Voice on Facebook and come back next week
(39:21):
for the conclusion to the case of Sandra Birchmore.
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