Matthew Farwell trial: Jury now deciding his fate in Sandra Birchmore case

Well, Matthew Farwell's fate is now in the hands of the jury. The former Stoughton police officer is accused of killing Sandra Birchmore and her unborn baby. Boston 25 News reporter Ryan Breslin live at the federal courthouse where he is listening in on those closing arguments. Shayna, both sides painting very different pictures of Sandra Birchmore. The prosecution getting the final word in to jurors with a rebuttal following the defense's closing argument. People close to Sandra Birchmore also here today as they have been the whole trial. Sandra wanted this child. She would have never taken her life. Closing arguments in the Matthew Farwell trial, bringing both relief and worry to family and friends of Sandra Birchmore as the case is now in the hands of the jury. Friday, the government went through their case for jurors and what they heard from experts throughout the trial. The prosecution spelling out how Matthew Farwell could have killed Sandra Birchmore and why he would have wanted to the day before his third child was born. They pointed to her broken bone in her neck, broken necklace, and Farwell's DNA on the portion of the strap around Birchmore's neck that was tied to her closet door. Prosecutor Brian Fogarty saying in part, quote, On February 1st, the defendant had a massive problem. He went to Sandra Birchmore's apartment in a disguise. He killed her with a ligature in his hands and walked out. He went to clean up the mess that he had created for himself years earlier. What stood out to me is that they said that Sandra was definitely not suicidal, very hopeful, planning for her future, getting ready for her baby, and was no way close to taking her own life. The defense focused on Birchmore being and feeling alone in the world, her past references to suicide, and say that when Matthew Farwell went to her apartment to end their relationship, she finally had no one left. Kimberly Stevens for the defense saying in part, when all is lost in life and all hope is gone and you're alone in the world, are you going to pick up your phone or did she sit down and take that strap and sit down as she knew how to do and make the pain stop? Matt did not kill Sandra. They cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt with all the scientists and all the medical examiners. Jurors have two counts to consider. Farwell is charged with killing a witness or victim and protection of unborn children. It was upsetting because it wasn't true. She had a lot of support from friends and family. And I talked to her that night, so I know it's not true. Jurors have heard from 50 witnesses over the course of four weeks. Eight men and four women, they make up the deliberating 12 jury members. For now, we are live in Boston. Ryan Breslin for your local station, Boston 25 News. Ryan, thank you. And of course, when there is a verdict, we'll let you know first on the Boston 25 News app. Also, turn on your alerts so you know what's happening in the final moments of this trial.