Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy resumes with defense possibly concluding Thursday
The trial of Lindsay Clancy, accused of killing her three children, continued in Plymouth Superior Court as her defense may rest its case on Thursday, followed by prosecution rebuttal witnesses.
The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy resumed Thursday in Plymouth Superior Court, where her defense team may finish presenting its case before the prosecution calls its final rebuttal witnesses. Judge William Sullivan told jurors to expect a shorter day of testimony on Thursday and a longer session on Friday.
Clancy, 36, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges for the deaths of her three children—5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan—in their Duxbury home on Jan. 24, 2023. Her attorney, Kevin Reddington, has argued that she should not be held criminally responsible because she was overmedicated and suffering from postpartum psychosis.
Prosecutors Jennifer Sprague and Shanan Buckingham are expected to present several rebuttal witnesses before closing arguments, maintaining that Clancy planned the killings and staged a suicide attempt. A psychologist for the defense testified that Clancy claimed to have heard a male voice ordering her to commit the murders.
The day’s first witness, chaplain Sheila Cavanaugh of Brigham and Women's Hospital, testified that she met Clancy the day after the mother admitted to the killings. Cavanaugh said Clancy’s emotional state appeared neutral and that she expressed relief that her children were “safe.” She recalled Clancy mentioning a persistent male voice that told her compliance was necessary for safety.
During cross-examination, prosecutors highlighted that Cavanaugh’s notes did not record any statement about hearing a voice. Cavanaugh concluded her testimony after about 20 minutes.
Before proceedings began, jurors were questioned individually by the judge, though the purpose of the questioning was not explained. The courtroom also saw a group of women in pink gathered to show support for Clancy and to call for improvements in postpartum and mental-health care. One participant, Angel Kinsolving, said the gathering was meant to demonstrate solidarity, while mental-health worker Valery Rockwell expressed concern about the mental-health system.
Clancy, who remains paralyzed and attends court in a wheelchair, previously testified that she heard a male voice directing her actions. Dr. Paul Zeizel, a psychologist who has worked extensively with Clancy, completed his testimony on Wednesday. The judge also ruled that a TikTok user employed by McLean Hospital would not be permitted to testify. The court adjourned early on Wednesday due to an unforeseen circumstance.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Clancy faces life imprisonment without parole. A verdict of not criminally responsible would result in her being committed to a state psychiatric hospital.