Friend of woman allegedly killed by Massachusetts police officer: "It was complete, 100% exploitation"

Key Points:

• Lauren Andrews, who was close to Sandra Birchmore, disputes the initial suicide ruling in Birchmore's 2021 death, which was later changed to "undetermined," and describes Birchmore as excited about her pregnancy and future plans.
• Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer, is on trial for the alleged murder of Birchmore and her unborn child; prosecutors claim he groomed Birchmore from age 13 and began a sexual relationship with her at 15.
• Andrews and others suspected Farwell's involvement early on, but local police initially did not act on these suspicions; federal prosecutors charged Farwell with murder in 2024 following public pressure.
• An internal police investigation revealed Farwell and at least two other officers, including his twin brother William Farwell, had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore; all three officers resigned after the findings.
• Birchmore learned of her pregnancy in December 2020 and told Farwell he was the father; prosecutors allege Farwell strangled her in February 2021 to conceal the pregnancy, though DNA tests later showed he was not the father.