Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court denies emergency appeal as judge moves to declare mistrial in Lindsay Clancy case

A judge on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Friday refused a defense request for an emergency stay, clearing the way for trial Judge William Sullivan to declare a mistrial in the case of Lindsay Clancy, who faces three first-degree murder charges for the 2023 deaths of her children.

Sullivan had informed the court that the jury had submitted a third note indicating a deadlock, despite earlier instructions urging continued deliberations. Under state law, a third deadlock permits the judge to end the trial without a verdict.

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington sought an emergency appeal, arguing that a holdout juror was refusing to follow the law. The appellate judge denied the request, and the trial judge dismissed the jurors for lunch, effectively ending the proceedings.

Legal analyst Danny Cevallos noted that the defense’s chance of obtaining an interim stay was very low.

Clancy has pleaded not guilty, asserting that postpartum psychosis rendered her incapable of criminal responsibility. Prosecutors contend she acted with full awareness and premeditation, describing the killings as a deliberate act.

The trial, which has drawn extensive public attention, has highlighted broader debates over maternal mental-health care, though prosecutors emphasized that the case centers on the alleged criminal conduct rather than systemic health-care issues.