Western New England University School of Law professor Bridgette Baldwin continues to make significant contributions to the field of law, most recently lending her expertise to the national discourse on criminal justice and forensic evidence. Baldwin was featured in a recent Boston Globe (Editor’s Note: Article is behind paywall, 5/31/25) article analyzing the complexities of expert testimony in the high-profile case surrounding the death of Sandra Birchmore.
As an esteemed legal scholar, Baldwin provided critical insight into the prosecutorial challenges in the case against former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell. Farwell stands accused of killing Birchmore to prevent her from disclosing allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The case has drawn widespread attention due to conflicting expert opinions on the cause of death, with the Massachusetts medical examiner ruling it a suicide while independent forensic pathologists argue it was homicide by strangulation.
Baldwin’s commentary sheds light on the role of circumstantial evidence in strengthening the prosecution’s argument. She emphasized the importance of proving that the medical examiner’s initial ruling was a mistake—not due to incompetence, but rather as an understandable oversight in a complex case. She pointed to key pieces of evidence, including Farwell’s alleged request for a key to Birchmore’s apartment just days before her death, as compelling reasons to question the suicide determination.
“If I were prosecuting this case, I would have to convince the jury that the medical examiner got it wrong,” Baldwin stated. “All of this other evidence points to the fact that he killed her, and he killed her because he was sexually assaulting her as a minor and didn’t want her to tell.”
Baldwin also noted the absence of any evidence suggesting Birchmore was suicidal, reinforcing the argument that her death was not self-inflicted.
Her expert analysis exemplifies the School of Law’s commitment to advancing legal scholarship and applying it to real-world issues. As a professor and thought leader in criminal justice, Baldwin’s work continues to influence legal professionals, students, and the broader community.
Western New England University is proud to recognize Professor Baldwin’s contributions to the field and her dedication to justice and education.
Adapted from the Boston Globe, 5/31/25.
