Sandra Birchmore’s Suicide Ruling Became WHAT?!

Sandra Birchmore’s case reaches federal court with the original death ruling already rewritten. The Massachusetts medical examiner once classified her death as suicide. On April 30, 2026, the office changed the manner to undetermined and shortened the listed cause from asphyxia by hanging to asphyxia. 

That matters because Matthew Farwell’s defense is preparing to argue suicide. Judge Denise Casper has ruled that jurors may hear evidence about Sandra’s mental-health history and prior suicidal thoughts. The defense says those records support its theory. Prosecutors say the jury should also hear how Sandra’s relationship with Farwell began and why t...