Farwell Defense Challenges Evidence in Birchmore Murder Trial

Farwell’s defense is contesting the prosecution’s claim that he strangled Birchmore in her apartment in February 2021. The former Stoughton police detective denies allegations that he murdered a witness and caused the death of Birchmore’s unborn child. Prosecutors allege he killed her to prevent her from disclosing sexual abuse that they say began when she was 15, then arranged the scene to resemble a suicide.

On November 2, defense witness Heather Garvin, a forensic anthropologist, testified that a break in Birchmore’s hyoid bone does not necessarily indicate strangulation and can also happen in a suicidal hanging. The defense also called Kentucky chief medical examiner William Ralston to discuss the expertise and work of prosecution witness William Smock, who concluded Birchmore had been strangled.

The defense was expected to call more specialists on November 3, including forensic anthropologist Angi Christensen, DNA expert Maher Noureddine, electronic evidence analyst Daniel Loper and past New Hampshire medical examiner Thomas Andrew. The testimony is expected to address Birchmore’s autopsy. Farwell’s lawyers argue that she died by suicide after he ended their relationship. Closing arguments could begin before the end of the week.