Shocking New Findings in Sandra Birchmore Case: FBI Medical Examiner Secrets Challenge Original Murder Theory

Dr. Capo Martinez, who performed the autopsy for the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, concluded that Birchmore died from asphyxia by hanging.

However, the investigation later drew federal scrutiny, prompting the FBI to request an independent medical consultation from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System in April 2024.

Dr. Zoe Sundell, the system’s chief medical examiner, subsequently reviewed autopsy materials, photographs and other evidence.

According to FBI notes cited in the newly filed motion, Sundell told investigators certain physical findings were consistent with hanging.

The notes indicate that such fractures can occur during traumatic hangings and are not necessarily evidence of manual strangulation.

Investigators also recorded Sundell’s observation that there were no apparent injuries suggesting someone had strangled Birchmore with their hands.

The notes stated there was “nothing that looks like a manual strangulation.”

Sundell also reportedly indicated nothing in her review contradicted the original medical examiner’s findings.

Those observations could become significant as Farwell’s defense challenges the prosecution’s case.

The defense claims the government’s deadline for disclosing expert testimony expired approximately six months ago.

Prosecutors instead retained Dr. William Smock, an emergency medicine physician, as their intended expert regarding Birchmore’s cause and manner of death.

According to the filing, the government did not request a written report from Sundell following her consultations. Her observations were instead documented in FBI notes.