"It's not just about what Matthew Farwell did," advocate Melissa Barry said at a gathering after the verdict. "It's about the investigation and the other men who abused her."

Farwell faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for Feb. 3, 2027.

Birchmore's family and friends have sharply criticized the initial investigation, particularly the work of Massachusetts State Police Lt. John Fanning, who led the probe, and Trooper Matthew Dunne. During Farwell's trial, prosecutors argued that investigators overlooked or discounted evidence pointing to homicide; Birchmore's death was initially ruled a suicide. Fanning was not called to testify, and neither investigator has been charged with a crime in connection with the case.

At the post-verdict gathering, Barry, who started the "Justice for Sandra Birchmore" website, pointed to Fanning's photo. "This face is the Lieutenant Fanning who buried Sandra's case," she said.

Norfolk County District Attorney-elect Djuna Perkins said she plans to convene an investigative grand jury to examine the Stoughton Youth Explorers program and to audit the district attorney's office. She said she wants to interview staff members and determine what went wrong.

"I cannot imagine in such a small police department and such a small community that other people didn't know," Perkins said. "It's a surprise to me that no adult took note of that and questioned it."

Former Stoughton Deputy Police Chief Robert Devine, who led the Explorers program, has also faced scrutiny. The state's police oversight commission found that Devine used his position to develop a relationship with Birchmore that became sexual, and that he met her for a sexual encounter while on duty in 2020, when she was an adult. The commission further found that Devine communicated with Birchmore using an alias and was untruthful during an internal investigation. Devine denied having sexual contact with Birchmore and using the alias. The commission revoked his police certification in 2025.

A Stoughton internal investigation also identified inappropriate relationships involving Devine and former officers William Farwell and Matthew Farwell while Birchmore was part of the program. William Farwell, Matthew's twin brother, received immunity and testified for the prosecution during his brother's trial.

Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara, who initiated an internal affairs investigation after Birchmore's death, said she was suspicious of the initial findings. "I just do think the investigators had biases when they walked into that scene," McNamara said.

After Norfolk County prosecutors did not bring charges, McNamara sent the department's report to the FBI. The FBI later investigated, leading to the federal case against Farwell.

"When the evidence demands a second look, we must have the courage to pursue it," FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks said.

McNamara was placed on paid leave after suing Stoughton's town manager, alleging retaliation for her work with the FBI. Residents rallied in support of her after the verdict. "We should be proud of our chief," one resident said.