Summary of "Going West: True Crime" Episode 474 – Sandra Birchmore

Released on February 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 474 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Sandra Birchmore, a young woman whose tragic death initially ruled as suicide later unraveled as a complex web of corruption, abuse, and murder within the Stoughton Police Department. This episode meticulously unpacks Sandra's life, the abuses she endured, and the subsequent investigation that brought justice, albeit belatedly, to her story.

Background of Sandra Birchmore

Sandra Birchmore was born on May 13, 1997, in Stoughton, Massachusetts, raised by her single mother, Denise Birchmore. Her father was absent, and the family faced numerous challenges, including Denise's chronic illness, which often made it difficult to maintain stable housing. Sandra found solace with her maternal aunt and uncle, Claire and Gerald Gaudette, who provided the stability and positive influence she needed. Gerald, an army veteran, inspired Sandra’s ambition to join law enforcement.

Despite these supportive relationships, Sandra struggled with bullying and social isolation during her school years. A former teacher noted, “She wasn't a bad kid, just a kid starved for attention, acting out to be noticed” (02:00).

Introduction to Abuse and Corruption

At age 12, Sandra joined the Police Explorers program, fueling her dream of becoming a police officer. It was here that she met Matthew Farwell, a 26-year-old officer, who became her mentor. Their relationship soon took a sinister turn:

• By April 2013, Sandra, then 15, and Matthew, 27, began a sexual relationship, clearly crossing legal and ethical boundaries. Heather remarked, “Matthew is a predator” (10:38).

• In 2019, disturbing text messages revealed the depth of their abuse. Sandra expressed lingering effects of their relationship, stating, “I had butterflies so bad the day you took my virginity again” (11:45).

Moreover, Matthew's abuse extended beyond Sandra. His twin brother, William Farwell, and another officer, Robert Devine, were also implicated in the misconduct, creating a pervasive culture of abuse within the department.

Sandra’s Personal Struggles and Persistence

Sandra's life was further complicated by personal tragedies. In 2016, Sandra lost her mother and grandmother within a month, deepening her grief and instability. Despite these hardships, she remained committed to her goal, enrolling in Massasoit Community College’s criminal justice program.

However, familial tensions escalated when her aunts moved in, leading to significant conflicts over her living arrangements. This period saw Sandra's abusive relationship with Matthew intensify, as he manipulated and controlled her through both emotional and physical means.

Pregnancy and Confrontation

In 2020, Sandra became pregnant, reportedly with Matthew’s child. Her subsequent miscarriage in the same year intensified her emotional turmoil. Determined to create the family she had longed for, Sandra confronted Matthew, leading to heightened tensions and threats from him, including, “I wish you would kill yourself” (26:18).

Despite these challenges, Sandra attempted to move forward, securing employment as a teaching assistant and ostensibly distancing herself from her tumultuous past. However, her relationship with Matthew remained a shadow over her attempts at stability.

Circumstances Leading to Death

On February 1, 2021, Sandra was found dead in her Canton apartment, her death initially ruled as a suicide. However, discrepancies at the crime scene and the nature of her injuries suggested foul play:

• Dr. Michael Baden, a renowned medical examiner, later concluded that Sandra died by strangulation, indicating homicide rather than suicide (32:07).

• Evidence such as her broken necklace and scattered hair contradicted the suicide narrative, hinting at a violent struggle.

Furthermore, Sandra's continued pregnancies and the timing of Matthew’s actions raised suspicions about his involvement in her death.

Investigation and Unveiling Corruption

Following public outcry and persistent efforts from Sandra's family, investigations revealed extensive misconduct within the Stoughton Police Department:

• Matthew Farwell was placed on administrative leave and faced mounting evidence of his abuse. Eventually, federal investigations uncovered over 32,000 text messages between Sandra and Matthew, solidifying the case against him.

• William Farwell, Matthew’s twin, was also implicated in the abuse, leading to his departure from the force and subsequent relocation.

• Robert Devine, head of the Explorers program, faced scrutiny for his role in the misconduct, with ongoing debates about his continued certification in law enforcement.

The Massachusetts State Police's intervention was pivotal in advancing the case, culminating in the reclassification of Sandra's death from suicide to homicide.

Legal Proceedings and Current Status

In August 2024, after years of investigation, Matthew Farwell was arrested and charged with killing Sandra Birchmore. Initially charged with "killing a witness or victim," the charge was later updated to first-degree murder (41:34). As of the episode's release, Matthew awaits trial, and Sandra’s family has filed wrongful death lawsuits against him, William Farwell, Robert Devine, and the Stoughton Police Department.

Conclusion

The tragic story of Sandra Birchmore illuminates the dark underbelly of institutional corruption and the profound impact of personal trauma. Going West: True Crime Episode 474 serves as a compelling narrative of resilience in the face of systemic abuse, ultimately advocating for justice and accountability within law enforcement agencies.

Notable Quotes:

• Heath Merryman: “This is one of those cases that is going to piss every single one of you guys off. It is a ton of corruption, a ton of scandal, and it spans for years. I mean, it is truly heartbreaking and severely angering.” (00:33)

• Daphne Woolsoncroft: “Be your authentic self and let people appreciate that. Because so many people had amazing things to say about Sandra and who she was at her core.” (07:00)

• Heather Merryman: “Matthew is a predator.” (10:38)

Timestamps Reference:

• 02:00: Teacher’s observation on Sandra’s behavior.
• 10:38: Heath identifies Matthew as a predator.
• 11:45: Sandra’s emotional expression regarding her abuse.
• 26:18: Matthew’s threatening message to Sandra.
• 32:07: Dr. Baden’s conclusion on Sandra’s cause of death.
• 41:34: Explanation of Matthew’s murder charge.

Stay Connected:

For photos, surveillance footage, and updates on Sandra Birchmore’s trial, visit Going West: True Crime on Instagram @goingwestpodcast and Facebook. The hosts encourage listeners to engage and share their thoughts as the pursuit of justice continues.

This summary is intended to encapsulate the key elements of Episode 474 for those who have not listened to the podcast, providing a comprehensive overview of Sandra Birchmore’s tragic story and the ensuing quest for justice.