Police Certification Revoked for Twin of Former Officer Charged in Sandra Birchmore's Death

True Crime Today | A True Crime Podcast

The Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission has revoked the police certification of William Farwell, a former Stoughton officer, following his involvement in the Sandra Birchmore case. William is the twin brother of Matthew Farwell, who has been charged with Birchmore's murder.
William agreed to voluntarily give up his certification as a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts, according to POST commission documents. The decision comes after he was accused of misleading state police investigators regarding the nature of his relationship with Birchmore, who died at the age of 23. The POST also added William's name to the National Decertification Index (NDI), a national registry of officers who have had their credentials revoked.
**Background on the Case**
Sandra Birchmore first met the Farwell brothers through the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorers Program in 2011, where both William and Matthew served as guest instructors. Investigations revealed that Matthew Farwell groomed Birchmore from a young age, leading to a years-long sexual relationship. Authorities allege that Matthew killed Birchmore when she became pregnant with his child in 2021 and staged her death to appear as a suicide.
"Matthew Farwell has been federally indicted for killing Sandra Birchmore, and prosecutors may pursue the death penalty," reported Boston 25 News.
**William Farwell’s Involvement**
William's inappropriate conduct extended beyond his brother's relationship with Birchmore. Investigators uncovered evidence that William had exchanged sexually explicit messages, including photos and videos, with Birchmore when she was about 22. Additionally, he conducted 26 unauthorized searches for Birchmore in a police database and 24 searches for himself, all without official law enforcement justification.
A 2022 internal investigation by Stoughton Police revealed that William, Matthew, and another officer, Robert C. Devine, had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore.
As part of his agreement with the POST, William has been barred from ever working in law enforcement in Massachusetts again. The commission stated, "Revocation of certification ensures accountability for officers who engage in misconduct, protecting the integrity of law enforcement."
Birchmore's tragic death continues to shake the Stoughton community, especially as more details emerge about the involvement of multiple officers who held positions of authority in her life.
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