Massachusetts mother on trial for alleged killing of three children amid mental-health dispute
Prosecutors presented psychiatric and forensic evidence while the defense sought to introduce expert witnesses to support a claim of postpartum psychosis. The jury heard testimony from family members, medical examiners and doctors as the case entered its eighth day.
Prosecutors called a psychiatrist who treated Lindsay Clancy at McLean Hospital as the trial entered its eighth day. Grandfather Christopher Clancy testified that he knew of his former daughter-in-law’s mental-health struggles and recalled a call from his son after the children’s deaths, describing it as “terrible.”
Dr. Kimberley Springer, a medical examiner, described autopsy images of one child’s neck that were consistent with ligature strangulation; the images were shown only to the jury. The defense did not cross-examine her.
The defense filed a motion to allow three expert witnesses—Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, Dr. Michael Vulfovich and Dr. Donald Condie—to testify, arguing that excluding them would deprive the defendant of due process. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington said Laposata would testify that Clancy sustained a spinal injury after jumping from a window, and that Vulfovich would discuss a suicide attempt. Judge William Sullivan postponed a ruling on the motion, noting particular hesitation about Vulfovich’s testimony.
Other testimony described Clancy as caring and protective, while also noting her reports of insomnia, medication changes and postpartum issues. A forensic toxicologist reported that medication levels in Clancy’s blood were not toxic, and a forensic scientist discussed DNA evidence found in the basement where the children’s bodies were discovered.
Former nanny Elaine Rossi testified that she cared for infant Callan and communicated daily with Clancy, describing her as a “wonderful mom” and saying she never observed unsafe behavior. Jurors viewed a video of Callan drinking from a bottle during her testimony.
Physicians and nurses detailed Clancy’s injuries after she jumped from a second-floor window, including a spinal injury and partial paralysis. The prosecution read entries from Clancy’s journals that expressed feelings of overwhelm and guilt, while the defense highlighted passages indicating a desire to recover.
The judge allowed attorneys to argue the defense’s motion after the jury was excused for the day. The case continues to focus on competing psychiatric expert testimony regarding whether Clancy was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the alleged killings.