A retired judge from Massachusetts has stated that a not guilty verdict by reason of insanity would not be a straightforward escape for Lindsay Clancy. According to him, it would be psychiatrists, often aligned with prosecutors, who decide when she might be released—a decision that could lean towards keeping her institutionalized.
Clancy, 36, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing her children—Cora, Dawson, and Callan—all under six years old. Their bodies were discovered in the family’s home in January 2023.
Former Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Jack Lu explained to Fox News Digital that even in the case of an insanity ruling, Clancy would probably spend a long time in a mental health facility. He pointed out that mental health professionals typically have a prosecutorial bias and are likely to advocate for continued confinement rather than release.
Lu expressed a candid viewpoint, noting that these officials often approach cases with a mindset of, “when in doubt, keep them locked up.” He indicated that if Clancy is deemed mentally ill and committed, it could mean years of confinement.
In Massachusetts, gaining release from a mental health commitment tied to a major criminal case is notoriously difficult, Lu said. He did mention, however, that it’s possible for Clancy to challenge her commitment through legal channels if she is found not guilty by reason of insanity. That process would involve court decisions on whether she poses a danger to herself or others.
Clancy’s situation has garnered comparisons to a historical case from 1954, involving Constance Fisher, who drowned her three children. Fisher was committed to a mental institution and later accused again of killing more children, leading to her death in a river.
As for the ongoing trial, the jury, which includes nine women and three men, has spent three days deliberating without reaching a verdict. On Monday, they requested to adjourn for the day and plan to reconvene the next morning to continue their discussions.
