A federal judge set an October 2026 date in the case of former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell, who is charged with killing Sandra Birchmore , a woman he is accused of sexually abusing beginning when she was a teenager.

The trial is expected to begin on Oct. 5, 2026.

Thursday marked the first hearing in Farwell’s case in several months, and only the second since his indictment last August. Farwell did not appear for the hearing. He has been held without bail since his indictment.

U.S. District Judge Denise Casper also ordered federal prosecutors to file notice in January if they intend to pursue the death penalty against Farwell. The crime he is charged with, killing a witness, is punishable by death.

Casper essentially overrode both prosecutors and Farwell’s defense, who sa

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