Holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy trial gives first interview after mistrial

Michael Desronvil, the sole juror who voted against acquittal in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, granted his first interview since a mistrial was declared. He described the jury’s deliberations as tense and said his strong Christian faith, including constant prayer, helped him through the 38 hours of discussion.

“I made my decision, as far as with the case, based strictly on the evidence that was presented to me, and then the hearing, and paying attention, observing throughout the whole trial,” Desronvil told Fox News.

Desronvil maintained that he never had reasonable doubt about Clancy’s guilt, citing “a lot of evidence to back up my claim,” though he declined to disclose details. The nine-woman, three-man jury ultimately voted 11-1 to acquit after seven days of deliberations. Clancy, a Massachusetts mother who admitted strangling her three children in January 2023, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial on 4 September, and prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek a new trial.

Clancy’s lead defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, criticized Desronvil, saying he “stole seven weeks of the life of these other jurors” and that his client was “robbed by this man.” Sullivan previously rejected Reddington’s motion to override the deadlocked vote and enter a not-guilty verdict.

During the interview, Desronvil read a Bible passage and recounted how a 911 call from Clancy’s husband, Patrick, affected him. He described the call as “surreal,” noting the pain and desperation in the husband’s voice.

“It was surreal. You know, hearing the pain in his voice, hearing the desperation from that clip, it was surreal,” he said.

Desronvil denied accusations that he was biased against people with mental illness or that he gave false answers on his jury questionnaire, asserting that he answered truthfully.

NBC 10 Boston reported that Desronvil faced a charge of assaulting his then-wife in 2021, which was later dismissed. He said there was no physical, emotional, or financial abuse.

He also said he has been harassed by media representatives, describing surveillance footage of reporters examining his mail and windows, and noting that police escorted his fiancée home on one occasion. He reported feeling scared but said he has not received threats of physical harm.

The interview concluded with Desronvil and Fox host Kayleigh McEnany visiting a memorial playground in Duxbury dedicated to the victims.

“The focus has to be on the children. People need to stand up for what’s right,” he said.