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Coverage dated October 9, 2026

Opening statements: Prosecutors allege Matthew Farwell killed Sandra Birchmore to ‘silence’ her, while defense says she was suicidal

Headline from Boston

A full jury was sworn in Friday morning before opening statements were delivered. The trial of Matthew Farwell will continue Tuesday.

Boston's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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Reports & sources

3 articles, oldest first.

  1. The Boston Globe

    Opening statements set to begin in trial of Matthew Farwell, ex-police officer accused of killing Sandra Birchmore (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    The former Stoughton police detective is accused of killing Birchmore after sexually abusing her for years and staging it to look like a suicide.

  2. The Boston Globe

    Opening statements in Matthew Farwell trial show how prosecution, defense plan to frame case to jury (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    The former Stoughton police detective is accused of killing Sandra Birchmore after sexually abusing her for years — beginning when she was a child — and staging her death to look like a suicide.

  3. Boston

    Opening statements: Prosecutors allege Matthew Farwell killed Sandra Birchmore to ‘silence’ her, while defense says she was suicidal (opens Boston)

    Published

    Boston's feed description

    A full jury was sworn in Friday morning before opening statements were delivered. The trial of Matthew Farwell will continue Tuesday.