Cousins of Slain Woman Endorse Challenger in Norfolk DA Race

Angelique Pirozzi and Justina Danick say Adam Deitch can deliver 'fundamental change' the office requires.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker or crime scene tape against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gritty, investigative nature of this crime story.The Birchmore case exposed deep failures in the Norfolk DA's office, fueling calls for reform and accountability.Boston Today

Members of Sandra Birchmore's family are endorsing a former federal prosecutor, Adam Deitch, to replace the embattled Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey. Birchmore's cousins, Angelique Pirozzi and Justina Danick, say Deitch understands what went wrong in Birchmore's murder case and has the experience to rebuild a DA's office the public can trust.

Why it matters

The Birchmore case exposed failures in the Norfolk DA's office, which initially ruled her death a suicide despite mounting evidence that she was murdered. Birchmore's family believes Deitch can bring the necessary reforms to restore public confidence in the office.

The details

Birchmore, a 23-year-old pregnant woman, was allegedly killed in 2021 by former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, who is accused of raping Birchmore as a child and then killing her when he believed she was pregnant with his child. Despite DNA evidence linking Farwell to the crime, state prosecutors declined to bring charges, and Birchmore's death certificate still lists her cause of death as suicide.

  • In 2021, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory conducted tests and found male DNA on the ligature that was around Birchmore's neck.
  • Earlier this month, the U.S. Attorney's office revealed that the DNA on the murder weapon belonged to Farwell.

The players

Sandra Birchmore

A 23-year-old pregnant woman who was allegedly murdered by a former police officer.

Matthew Farwell

A former Stoughton police officer accused of raping Birchmore as a child and then killing her when he believed she was pregnant with his child.

Angelique Pirozzi and Justina Danick

Birchmore's cousins who are endorsing Adam Deitch for Norfolk County District Attorney.

Adam Deitch

A former federal prosecutor who is running for Norfolk County District Attorney, promising to rebuild public trust in the office.

Michael Morrissey

The current Norfolk County District Attorney who is not running for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“Sandra's case exposed deep failures that demand meaningful change in the District Attorney's Office. We believe that former Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch is uniquely prepared to deliver the fundamental change the office requires.”

— Angelique Pirozzi and Justina Danick, Birchmore's cousins

“From the beginning, the truth about Sandra's death was ignored. Despite clear warning signs and mounting evidence, state authorities ruled her death a suicide. To this day, Sandra's death certificate still states that she died by suicide, despite overwhelming evidence that she was targeted, groomed, abused, and ultimately killed by someone she should have been able to trust.”

— Angelique Pirozzi and Justina Danick, Birchmore's cousins

“The conduct of the DA's Office in Sandra Birchmore's case was one of the most important factors in my decision to leave the U.S. Attorney's office to run for District Attorney. Our community has a right to expect the DA's Office to pursue the truth without fear or favor, protect the vulnerable, and earn the public's trust through professionalism and integrity.”

— Adam Deitch, Candidate for Norfolk County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge in Farwell's case will decide in the coming weeks whether to grant his request for release ahead of the trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for accountability and reform in the Norfolk County District Attorney's office, which failed to properly investigate Birchmore's death and bring charges against her alleged killer. Voters will have the opportunity to choose a new DA who can restore public trust and ensure justice is served.