Norfolk DA Michael Morrissey nowhere to be found as criticism peaks of his investigation in Sandra Birchmore's death

Key Points:

• Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton police detective, was convicted of killing Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant 23-year-old with whom he had a long-term affair, more than five years after her death, raising concerns about delayed justice.
• Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey faced criticism for the prolonged investigation and initial classification of Birchmore's death as a suicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which hindered prosecution efforts.
• Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes, who pushed for further investigation and referred the case to the FBI after the DA declined to prosecute, expressed frustration over the DA's reluctance to hold an investigative grand jury and pursue the case aggressively.
• Lt. John Fanning, the state police officer leading the state-level investigation, was criticized for his handling of the case, though Holmes defended his professionalism despite public scrutiny.
• Efforts to obtain comments from DA Morrissey have been unsuccessful as he nears the end of his term, with his successor Djuna Perkins set to take office in January; Holmes acknowledged lessons learned and credited the FBI for advancing the case.