Sandra Birchmore

Ep 326: An expectant mother is found deceased in an apparent suicide but later evidence revealed a more sinister reality. This is the Sandra Birchmore Story. In February 2021, 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore was found dead in her apartment in Stoughton, Massachusetts, in what looked like a suicide. But Sandra had been openly excited about her pregnancy and her plans for nursing school, and her family refused to accept the ruling. Their own digging led them toward the Stoughton Police Department, the Police Explorers program Sandra joined as a 13-year-old, and a detective named Matthew Farwell. Megan and Amy trace how a case closed quickly at the local level drew renewed attention from federal investigators at a moment when neighboring Canton, Massachusetts and the Karen Read trial had already put Massachusetts law enforcement under a microscope. Then they widen the lens: using reporting from The Marshall Project and the Boy Scouts of America abuse settlement as context, they examine grooming, police sexual misconduct, the blue wall of silence, and why a program built on trust and mentorship can create conditions predators exploit — plus the screening and oversight reforms that might prevent the next case. Sources for Today's Episode: Dateline The Marshall Project Court TV’s “Opening Statements” Masslive.com The Handbook of Police Psychology by Gerber & Ward (2011) The Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology DOJ Detention Affidavit of Matthew Farwell Sponsors: (using our promo codes, supports the show!) Jones Road - Modern-day makeup that's clean, strategic, and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Shimmer Face Oil on their first purchase when they use code WAC at checkout. Just head to Jonesroadbeauty.com and use code WAC at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you. Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced by James Varga Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices