- Former police detective Matthew Farwell is on trial in federal court, accused of murdering 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore in 2021 and staging her death as a suicide to cover up years of sexual abuse.
- State police initially ruled Birchmore's death a suicide, but a subsequent federal investigation and medical expert concluded she was strangled after a struggle.
- Prosecutors presented evidence showing Farwell visited Birchmore's apartment minutes before her phone stopped moving, alleging he killed her because she was pregnant and threatening to expose their relationship.
- Farwell's defense attorney argued Birchmore committed suicide due to severe distress, financial struggles, and mental health issues, maintaining that Farwell did not kill her.
- Federal prosecutors concluded their case on Wednesday, and the trial is expected to go to the jury as early as next week after the defense finishes calling witnesses.
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