Lindsay Clancy Trial Results in Mistrial After Jury Deadlock

In the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who faced charges related to the 2023 strangulation deaths of her three children, Judge William Sullivan announced a mistrial after the jury was deadlocked for the third time.

Clancy, 36, was facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, three counts of strangulation or suffocation, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The victims were her three children: 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan.

On the seventh day of jury deliberations, Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, accused one juror of lying under oath. This claim came before the jury re-entered the Plymouth, Massachusetts courtroom.

Judge Sullivan had earlier received a note indicating that one juror had a different perspective from the majority of the group. Reddington sought to have that juror removed, arguing that they “spurned the instructions of this court” regarding reasonable doubt.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague defended the judge’s response, claiming it was appropriate to address the jury’s concerns about their deliberations. The judge also agreed that his guidance was his final action regarding the juror in question.

“What we have here is a note that indicates a disagreement about how to weigh the evidence,” Sprague explained.

Reddington maintained his position, insisting that the juror had previously misled the court when asked if they could follow the judge’s instructions.

He quoted the jury’s foreperson, who said that one juror “acknowledged doubt” but wouldn’t apply it to the verdict. Reddington stated that the juror had lied under oath, raising the issue of their credibility.

“Clearly, we have a person, who under their oath stood in front of you yesterday … and … looked you in the eye and lied,” Reddington urged.

Judge Sullivan indicated that removing a juror was a delicate matter and opted not to question the jury further, noting there was no evidence the juror in question was unwilling to deliberate.

Reddington suggested another strong instruction regarding “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” To which, Sullivan quipped back, indicating he had already given the instruction properly.

“What do you want me to do, get a brass band?” Sullivan responded, noting that while he might not have delivered it with full dramatic flair, he fulfilled his duty as the judge.

Returning to sit next to Clancy, Reddington remarked that the judge seemed to be ignoring the issue at hand, yet Sullivan committed to instructing the jury more emphatically this time.

This case has garnered significant attention, igniting discussions on the line separating criminal responsibility from severe mental health issues.

On January 24, 2023, while her husband was away, Clancy used an exercise band to strangle her children before attempting suicide by jumping from a window, which resulted in her paralysis.

She later received treatment at South Shore Hospital and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on February 7, 2023. The defense argued that Clancy was suffering from postpartum psychosis, which can lead to hallucinations and erratic behavior following childbirth.

Testimony from forensic psychologist Dr. Paul Zeizel revealed that Clancy acted under the influence of an auditory hallucination, claiming a male voice compelled her to commit the act. She expressed that she felt there was no other option but to follow through with these commands.

Prosecutors countered this, asserting that Clancy had planned the events beforehand and understood the gravity of her actions, making her criminally accountable.

Medical records showed no previous reports of auditory hallucinations, and it was noted that references to the commanding voice surfaced only after the tragic events. Clancy’s husband, Patrick, testified that she first mentioned this voice after the incident while she was in the hospital.

Additionally, the prosecution highlighted internet searches made by Clancy that day for locations her husband had visited, suggesting premeditation. She was able to have phone conversations with him during his errands as well.

Judge Sullivan provided the defense one hour to finalize a stay appeal.

This is a breaking story. Updates will follow.