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Birchmore case texts return to focus as Farwell’s federal trial continues
Jurors were set to hear more testimony Monday from FBI Special Agent Heidi Kelsch about Sandra Birchmore’s death and her communications with former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell. Prosecutors say the messages relate to sexual contact that began when Birchmore was a teenager.
Testimony in Matthew Farwell’s federal trial was scheduled to continue Monday, Oct. 19, with FBI Special Agent Heidi Kelsch returning to the stand to discuss the investigation into Sandra Birchmore’s death.
Kelsch began presenting text messages to jurors on Friday. She read Birchmore’s messages while Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley read Farwell’s, including sexually explicit exchanges. Prosecutors have described the messages as evidence concerning the beginning of years of sexual contact between the two.
Prosecutors allege that Farwell sexually assaulted Birchmore in an act of aggravated statutory rape on April 10, 2013. Farwell, a former Stoughton police detective, is on trial in federal court. The allegations are being tested in court.
The federal investigation followed an earlier state inquiry that concluded there was “no evidence of foul play,” according to testimony and reporting presented in the case. Kelsch helped investigate Birchmore’s death.
The messages and the competing investigations have placed scrutiny on how authorities handled Birchmore’s death and the conduct of a former law enforcement officer. The trial is continuing with jurors hearing evidence from investigators and prosecutors.