Victim died by murder, says pathologist

STOUGHTON – A prominent pathologist hired by Sandra Birchmore’s family said her death was a homicide, rejecting a state medical examiner’s conclusion that she died by suicide.

Dr. Michael Baden, a former chief medical examiner in New York City, wrote a letter to an attorney for Birchmore’s estate making that argument, according to the Boston Globe. The Enterprise has not independently reviewed the letter.

Birchmore, then 23, was found dead in her Canton apartment on February 4, 2021. She was three months pregnant. Birchmore said the father was Matthew Farwell, one of the Stoughton police officers accused of grooming her for sex starting at age 13.

The other officers, all now retired from the Stoughton Police Department, are William Farwell and Robert Devine. Joshua Heal, a former Stoughton animal control officer, also allegedly solicited Birchmore to perform sexual acts in order to adopt a cat, the family claims in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the officers, the city of Stoughton and the Stoughton Police Department.

The Birchmore family filed suit in Norfolk County Superior Court in December 2022, alleging that the officers’ actions and Stoughton’s negligence led to her ending her life.

Stoughton Police Chief: “Findings require further review at the highest level”

The Stoughton Police Chief responded to the report on Sunday. Because Birchmore’s body was found in Canton, Stoughton police are not involved in the ongoing investigation, she said.

“I was deeply disturbed and troubled by what I read,” wrote Police Chief Donna M. McNamara. “While I am not a trained forensic pathologist and am not qualified to draw direct conclusions, the findings certainly warrant further investigation at the highest levels.”

Family suesFamily sues former Stoughton police officer and city for wrongful death in sex scandal

The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office has previously told the Enterprise that it is investigating any new information related to Birchmore. The Stoughton Police Department, led by McNamara, issued an internal report detailing the alleged attempts to recruit Birchmore for sex with officers. The Stoughton Police Department has forwarded that report to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, which will be the authority to pursue any charges against the officers.

“Sandra never experienced the slightest hint of justice during her life,” McNamara wrote Sunday, “and we will not slacken in our efforts to fulfill our duty to do justice, and she will not be forgotten after her death.”

The family’s wrongful death lawsuit is ongoing. Attorneys for the various parties are filing legal motions. The next court date is July 11.

Results of the internal investigation3 Stoughton police officers had ‘inappropriate relationships’ with woman who committed suicide, police chief says

What about the police officers accused of abusing Birchmore?

The state has revoked Matthew Farwell’s license, meaning he can no longer work as a police officer in Massachusetts. His twin brother, William Farwell, and Devine have resigned from the Stoughton Police Department for disciplinary reasons. Joshua Heal has also resigned from the Abington Police Department for disciplinary reasons. He joined the police department after leaving the Stoughton Animal Control Department.If you or a loved one is in crisis and needs immediate help, call or text 988 anytime. Or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline online. These 24/7 suicide prevention hotlines are free and open to anyone. All calls are confidential.

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