"The hearing concerned Farwell's request to move his trial to Rhode Island. He and his lawyers contend that there has been "one-sided, biased media coverage" of the case in the Boston area, leading to the "widespread public misbelief" that Farwell groomed Birchmore, had sex with her when she was a minor, and ultimately killed her, according to court documents filed in November."
"Federal prosecutors are opposing the venue transfer request, saying that potential jurors will be adequately screened in Boston and that an "impartial jury" will be seated for the trial. US District Court Chief Judge Denise Casper heard arguments from both the defense and the prosecution on Tuesday, indicating that she would issue a ruling at a later date, The Boston Globe reported."
"Prosecutors allege that Farwell met Birchmore when she was a freshman in high school. The Stoughton Police Department was operating a program for young people interested in law enforcement careers at the time. Birchmore was a participant, and Farwell was an instructor. Farwell allegedly committed statutory rape when Birchmore was 15, and the two engaged in a sexual relationship that lasted for the better part of a decade."
Matthew Farwell appeared in court seeking to move his federal trial from Boston to Rhode Island, with defense lawyers citing "one-sided, biased media coverage" and a "widespread public misbelief" about his conduct. Federal prosecutors oppose the venue change, asserting that potential jurors can be adequately screened and an "impartial jury" will be seated. US District Court Chief Judge Denise Casper heard arguments and said she will issue a later ruling. Farwell has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he killed Sandra Birchmore and staged her death; prosecutors also allege a long-term sexual relationship beginning when she was a minor.
Read at Boston.com
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