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NewsLos Angeles MagazineOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County

Witnesses Testify in Federal Trial Concerning Initial Suicide Ruling in Sandra Birchmore's Death

Photo: Los Angeles Magazine

A federal murder trial focuses on testimony from Sandra Birchmore's therapist and other witnesses who disputed the initial police determination that the pregnant 23-year-old died by suicide in February 2021. Witnesses testified they immediately urged investigators to examine Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell, the alleged father of the unborn child. Court proceedings and records highlight how Birchmore's death certificate listed her manner of death as pending in March 2021 before being updated to suicide in May 2021 and subsequently changed again.

Law EnforcementLegal ProceedingsPublic Safety
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Why It Matters

The federal trial examines investigative decisions and the handling of evidence by law enforcement officials following the 2021 death of a pregnant woman in Canton, Massachusetts.

Key Facts

  • Sandra Birchmore, a 23-year-old pregnant teacher's aide, was found hanged in her Canton, Massachusetts home on Feb. 4, 2021.
  • Diala Alkhalil, Birchmore's therapist since childhood, received a voicemail on the day Birchmore's body was found stating that Birchmore had taken her own life.
  • Alkhalil testified that Birchmore was goal-oriented and not suicidal, and immediately called the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office CPAC unit to report suspicions regarding Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell.
  • Alkhalil is the fifth witness in the federal trial to testify that they contacted police to dispute the suicide ruling and urge scrutiny of Matthew Farwell, identified as the unborn baby's father.
  • In March 2021, the death certificate signed by Dr. Maria Capo Martinez listed the cause and manner of death as pending.
  • In May 2021, Birchmore's death certificate was updated to list asphyxiation as the cause of death and suicide as the manner of death, before being changed again later.

Who's Mentioned

PersonDiala Alkhalil“Licensed mental health counselor who treated Birchmore and testified about recei”locationBoston“City where the federal trial is taking place.”OrganizationStoughton Police“Police department employing Matthew Farwell.”locationMassachusetts“State where the events and investigations took place.”PersonSandra Birchmore“23-year-old pregnant teacher's aide found dead in her Canton, Massachusetts home”PersonWilliam Farwell“Ex-Stoughton cop and twin brother of Matthew Farwell who told the FBI about stat”PersonMaria Capo Martinez“Doctor who signed Birchmore's death certificate.”PersonMatthew Farwell“Stoughton Police officer and detective on trial in Boston's federal court for th”OrganizationFBI“Federal law enforcement agency receiving statements from William Farwell.”OrganizationNorfolk County District Attorney’s Office“Office operating the CPAC unit that investigated the death.”locationCanton“Massachusetts town where Birchmore's body was found.”OrganizationMass State Police“Law_enforcement agency involved in investigating Birchmore's death.”