Opening statements were held Oct. 9

Get a full account of opening statements, as well as analysis on how the trial will likely proceed, tonight at 7 p.m. on "Commonwealth Confidential."

Watch it on NBC10 Boston, our streaming platforms or in the YouTube video below:

The defense has now concluded its opening statement. The judge is now making it clear to the jurors that opening statements are not evidence.

The jury is now being excused for the weekend. They will report back on Tuesday for a full day of testimony from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opening statements are underway after the jury was finalized this morning, but what did it take to get here? Well, there were more than 400 prospective jurors who filled out a questionnaire that was reviewed by the judge and counsel. About 80 returned to court for in-person interviews and took an oath to answer honestly.

The questionnaire was impounded, so we haven't seen it, but based on some of the follow-up questions heard in court by NBC10 Boston commentator Sue O'Connell, she believes these are some of the topics that were on it:

• Medications or medical conditions that could affect their ability to serve
• Connections to law enforcement, firefighters, or lawyers
• Past or current dealings with the courts, for themselves or family members
• Experience with violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault
• Experience with mental health issues, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or suicide, including attempts and the methods used
• Exposure to the case on TV, radio, or social media
• Training in digital forensics
• Ability to view graphic images
• Ability to hear testimony about the abuse of minors
• Preconceived views or biases

The prosecution has concluded its opening statment, and it's now the defense's turn. Defense attorney Kimberly Stevens is giving the opening statement for the defense.

“Matthew Farwell did not kill Sandra Birchmore," she said to open, delivering the first lines while standing next to Farwell, with her left arm around his shoulder as he sat at the defense table.

Before walking to stand in front of the jury, she lightly touched his face.

Stevens says Birchmore searched online for "What color is the suicide ribbon?" before her death. The defense will argue that Birchmore's death was a suicide. They say the text messages she was sending indicate that she was stressed.

She says Birchmore spent Thanksgiving and Christmas alone, and was worried about her pregnancy. 

“She is worried, she is stressed, she is freaking out, she is pulling up imagery of suicide,” Stevens tells the jury.

She says the jury will hear from experts about risk factors for suicide, one of which is pregnancy and another of which is prior attempts.

Stevens says there was no evidence of a struggle or any indication that Birchmore was dragged.