Overview
- State officials amended Birchmore’s death certificate to list the cause as asphyxia and the manner as undetermined, and they declined to explain the change because the federal probe is ongoing.
- Prosecutors say Farwell killed the 23-year-old in her Canton apartment and staged a hanging to prevent exposure of a sexual relationship that they allege began when she was 15.
- A federal prosecutor told the court that Birchmore had severe neck injuries, including a nearly destroyed hyoid bone, which they argue points to strangulation rather than suicide.
- Prosecutors say Farwell’s DNA was the major profile on a duffel‑bag strap they contend was used as a ligature and was found on her underwear, while the defense says the samples are complex mixtures.
- A court filing says Farwell’s iPhone accessed porn suggesting a sexual interest in teens, which prosecutors cite to keep him jailed; he has pleaded not guilty, remains detained, and faces a May 26 suppression hearing and an October trial.