Defense psychologist argues postpartum psychosis impaired Lindsay Clancy's judgment in children’s murders

A forensic psychologist testified Wednesday that Lindsay Clancy, 36, was unable to recognize the criminal nature of killing her three children because she was suffering from bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis. Paul Zeizel, who treated Clancy after the deaths, said she “had a mental disease or a defect” and “was unable to conform her behavior to the rule of law.”

According to Zeizel, Clancy had sought care in December 2022, expressing that her “brain was damaged,” that she “should kill herself,” and that she feared losing her children. He described her as paranoid, hearing thoughts that others might hear, and worried that her children would be taken from her.

"She really loves them and misses them and thinks of them every single day, almost every moment of the day," Zeizel said, noting that she frequently talks about the children while hospitalized.

Prosecutors countered that Clancy’s ability to perform everyday tasks—driving, searching the internet, taking a daughter to a doctor, and playing with the children on the day of the killings—suggested she was not in a psychotic state. They also highlighted inconsistencies in Zeizel’s report and his prior involvement with the defense.

"It does not," Zeizel replied when asked whether normal functioning excluded a psychotic condition.

The case proceeds with Clancy pleading not guilty to murder charges. If convicted, she faces life imprisonment without parole; a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity would result in commitment to a state mental health facility.