Boston – A federal jury in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts announced Monday that it remains deadlocked in the trial of former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell. The jurors, who have been deliberating since Friday, said they do not expect a unanimous verdict soon.
Possible Allen charge looming
Legal analysts note that Judge Denise Casper may issue a special instruction, known in Massachusetts as a “Tuey‑Rodriguez” charge and federally as an Allen charge, to encourage the deadlocked panel to reach a unanimous decision. NBC10 Boston chief legal analyst Michael Coyne said the instruction is not a question of if but when, though he does not expect it to be issued immediately.
Charges and alleged motive
Farwell, 40, is charged with the murder of 23‑year‑old Sandra Birchmore, who was pregnant at the time of her death in February 2021. Prosecutors allege Farwell killed Birchmore to prevent her from reporting his alleged sexual abuse, which began when she was 15, to law enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Fogarty told the jury that Farwell “went to clean up the mess he created years earlier,” ultimately taking Birchmore’s life.
Defense arguments
Farwell’s attorney, Kimberly Stevens, acknowledged an extramarital relationship but denied any homicide, asserting that Birchmore was of legal age to consent under Massachusetts law and that she had previously threatened suicide. Stevens questioned whether Birchmore’s death was a suicide, asking the jury to consider if she might have taken her own life.
Evidence presented
The nearly month‑long trial featured about 50 witnesses and 500 exhibits. Federal investigators highlighted a trove of roughly 40,000 text messages between Farwell and Birchmore, revealing a relationship that began when Farwell was 27 and Birchmore was 15—below the age of consent. The messages also showed Birchmore pressuring Farwell to become pregnant and threatening to expose his affairs.
Prosecutors presented forensic evidence suggesting Birchmore was strangled with a duffel‑bag strap, noting injuries inconsistent with a suicide. An expert, Dr. William Smock, testified to these findings, while the defense’s expert, Dr. Thomas Andrew, disputed the homicide conclusion.
Medical examiner’s ruling
Initially, the state medical examiner classified Birchmore’s death as a suicide, but the ruling was later changed to “undetermined” after federal involvement.
Trial background
The case moved to federal court after local prosecutors declined to file criminal charges. The FBI began its own investigation in 2023, citing concerns that the local probe was rushed and compromised. Federal investigators criticized the limited interview of Farwell, the lack of note‑taking, and the delayed examination of his phone.
Next steps
Jurors are expected to reconvene on Tuesday. If the deadlock persists, Judge Casper may consider issuing the Allen charge to push the panel toward a unanimous verdict. The outcome remains uncertain, and the community continues to watch closely as the trial unfolds.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
