Jury Selection Begins in Massachusetts Mother’s Murder Trial

Jury selection commenced Monday in Plymouth, Massachusetts, for the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, a former labor-and-delivery nurse accused of strangling her three children on Jan. 24, 2023. Clancy, 36, has pleaded not guilty and her defense team intends to argue that severe postpartum psychiatric illness impaired her responsibility.

The defense, led by attorney Kevin Reddington, does not dispute that the children were killed but says the case should be considered under an insanity standard. > “This whole case is an extreme tragedy,” Reddington said.

Prosecutors contend the killings were premeditated and intentional, describing the actions as planned rather than the result of a loss of control. The trial is expected to examine postpartum psychosis, a rare condition affecting a small fraction of new mothers and characterized by delusions and hallucinations.

Clancy’s husband, Patrick Clancy, will testify for both sides and has publicly expressed forgiveness toward his wife. He previously filed a lawsuit alleging that medical providers failed to diagnose and monitor her condition adequately. The lawsuit details her reported depression, insomnia, auditory hallucinations, and attempts to seek help, including emergency room visits and medication.

On the day of the killings, Clancy allegedly heard voices urging her to kill her children and herself. After the murders, she attempted suicide and fell from a second-story window, resulting in paralysis. She is currently detained at a state hospital.

Eighteen jurors, including six alternates, will be selected over several days. The proceedings will take place near the family’s home in Duxbury, a coastal suburb south of Boston.