Grandfather testifies as trial of mother accused of killing three children continues
In a Massachusetts murder trial, the former father-in-law of Lindsay Clancy testified while the mother, charged with strangling her three children, remained emotional as medical examiner evidence was presented.
A Plymouth Superior Court hearing on Thursday featured Christopher Clancy, the father of the accused’s late husband, taking the stand. He described his first meeting with Lindsay Clancy, noted her protective nature toward his son and grandchildren, and acknowledged awareness of her mental-health struggles. He also recounted the phone call he received from his son after the children’s deaths, saying, "It was terrible."
During the same session, medical examiner Dr. Kimberley Springer described autopsy images of infant Callan Clancy that showed injuries consistent with ligature strangulation. The graphic images were shown only to the jury, and the defense did not cross-examine the examiner. The courtroom observed further emotional moments as the defendant was seen crying while being escorted from the gallery.
The defense has asked the judge to allow three psychiatric experts—Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, Dr. Michael Vulfovich and Dr. Donald Condie—to testify, arguing that excluding them would deprive the defendant of due process. Prosecutors objected, maintaining the testimony is central to the defense.
Earlier testimony covered toxicology findings that identified several prescription medications in Clancy’s blood, with only one exceeding therapeutic levels but not reaching a suicide-attempt range. DNA evidence linked exercise bands recovered from the home to the case, and the family’s former nanny, Elaine Rossi, testified that Clancy was a caring mother who provided detailed daily instructions for the children’s care. Rossi also said Clancy had spoken about postpartum difficulties and sleep deprivation.
The trial, which began on July 20, involves three murder charges for the 2023 deaths of Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy. The defendant, who survived a jump from a second-floor window that left her partially paralyzed, has pleaded not guilty and remains detained at Tewksbury State Hospital. The 18-person jury, composed of twelve women and six men, will continue to hear evidence from both sides, including competing psychiatric experts on the issue of postpartum psychosis.