Attorneys Join Defense Team for Boston Murder Case
Kimberly C. Stevens and Joanne M. Daley have joined the legal defense for Matthew Farwell in his Boston murder trial.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Crime — General
Live Poll
Do you believe strict gag orders on attorneys during trials improve the fairness of court proceedings?
In June 2025, defense attorneys Kimberly C. Stevens and Joanne M. Daley joined the legal team for Matthew Farwell, who faces charges including the killing of a witness. The case is proceeding in Boston without the possibility of execution.
Why it matters
The addition of experienced counsel marks a significant development in a high-stakes case that involves capital-eligible charges. The case is proceeding as non-capital after instructions from Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Defense attorney Kimberly C. Stevens has represented 45 death penalty defendants throughout her career. Lead prosecutors assigned to the case include Brian A. Fogerty, Elizabeth C. Riley, and Torey B. Cummings.
The players
Kimberly C. Stevens
She is a North Carolina Assistant Federal Public Defender who has previously represented high-profile defendants including Dylann Roof and Gary Michael Hilton.
Joanne M. Daley
She is a Rhode Island Assistant Federal Public Defender who has been a member of the Massachusetts State Bar since 2002.
Matthew Farwell
He is the defendant in a Boston murder trial involving charges related to the death of a witness and a child in utero.
Pam Bondi
As the Attorney General, she issued instructions that prosecutors should not seek the death penalty in the proceedings against Farwell.
The details
Matthew Farwell is charged with killing a witness and causing the death of a child in utero. Stevens, a North Carolina Assistant Federal Public Defender known for her work on death-penalty-eligible cases, was admitted pro hac vice, while Rhode Island Assistant Federal Public Defender Joanne M. Daley entered her notice of appearance.
Timeline
Joanne M. Daley was admitted to the Massachusetts State Bar in 2002.
Kimberly C. Stevens was admitted pro hac vice to the case in June 2025.
The Attorney General prohibited seeking the death penalty in December 2025.
Legal Context
The legal staffing adjustments for this trial follow the established procedural standards for capital-eligible defendants in federal court. These defense selections align with the broader national legal trend of providing specialized counsel for defendants facing severe felony charges.
Residents in the area should expect continued court activity as the legal team prepares for trial in Boston. This case remains a matter of public record, and observers can monitor future developments regarding scheduling and court appearances.
The takeaway
The appointment of specialized counsel is a standard part of the pre-trial phase for complex federal cases. Defendants in such matters receive constitutionally mandated representation to ensure due process as the judicial system evaluates the evidence.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Boston Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Enterprise.
Live Poll
Do you believe strict gag orders on attorneys during trials improve the fairness of court proceedings?
