Stoughton, Mass. – A day after a federal jury sentenced former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell to life in prison for the murder of Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child, Birchmore’s family and community advocates gathered to demand a broader investigation into the handling of the case and alleged misconduct within the Stoughton Police Department’s Youth Explorers program.
Calls for accountability
Advocate Melissa Barry, who founded the “Justice for Sandra Birchmore” website, told attendees that the issue extends beyond Farwell’s actions. “It’s not just about what Matthew Farwell did,” she said. “It’s about the investigation and the other men who abused her.”
Barry displayed a photo of Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant John Fanning, who led the original probe, and accused him of burying the case. “This face is the Lieutenant Fanning who buried Sandra’s case,” she declared.
Officials respond
Norfolk County District Attorney‑elect Djuna Perkins announced plans to convene an investigative grand jury to examine the Youth Explorers program and to audit the district attorney’s office. Perkins said she will interview staff members and determine what went wrong, adding, “I cannot imagine in such a small police department and such a small community that other people didn’t know.”
Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara, who launched an internal affairs investigation after Birchmore’s death, expressed suspicion about the original findings. “I just do think the investigators had biases when they walked into that scene,” McNamara said. After Norfolk County prosecutors declined to bring charges, McNamara forwarded the department’s report to the FBI.
FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks confirmed that the bureau later opened its own investigation, which led to the federal case against Farwell. “When the evidence demands a second look, we must have the courage to pursue it,” Docks said.
Past misconduct findings
The state police oversight commission previously found that former Deputy Police Chief Robert Devine, who oversaw the Explorers program, used his position to develop a sexual relationship with Birchmore while she was an adult. The commission also determined that Devine met Birchmore for a sexual encounter while on duty in 2020, communicated with her under an alias, and was untruthful during an internal investigation. Devine denied the allegations, but his police certification was revoked in 2025.
An internal Stoughton investigation identified inappropriate relationships involving Devine and former officers William Farwell and Matthew Farwell while Birchmore participated in the program. William Farwell, Matthew’s twin brother, received immunity and testified for the prosecution during his brother’s trial.
Community reaction
Following the verdict, residents rallied in support of Chief McNamara, who was placed on paid leave after suing the town manager for alleged retaliation related to her cooperation with the FBI. “We should be proud of our chief,” one resident said.
The Birchmore family and local advocates continue to push for a comprehensive review of the Youth Explorers program, the department’s investigative practices, and any additional misconduct that may have been overlooked.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
