Holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy murder trial had prior domestic-violence allegations and eviction case
Investigators uncovered that the lone juror who refused to deliberate in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial had a history of domestic-violence charges, a restraining order and an unpaid-rent eviction proceeding, raising questions about jury vetting procedures.
Investigators have identified a series of legal and housing issues involving the single juror who declined to participate in deliberations during the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, which ended in a mistrial. Court records show the juror faced a criminal assault charge in September 2021 after a 13-year-old nephew reported that the juror had grabbed his wife by the throat and thrown her into a dresser; the charge was later dismissed following the couple’s divorce. The nephew later obtained a restraining order, alleging the juror pushed him to the ground and punched him in the face, and the order remained active when he was selected for the trial.
Housing court documents indicate the juror has not paid rent since March of the previous year, leading to a judgment of more than $12,000 and an ongoing eviction proceeding. Legal analysts noted that Massachusetts juror questionnaires ask about arrests, criminal charges and court orders, and suggested that inaccurate or incomplete answers could constitute a crime.
"I don't see how they would've allowed him to be a member of this jury," said Michael Coyne, chief legal analyst at NBC10 Boston, adding that proper questionnaire responses would likely have prevented the juror’s selection.
Family members described the juror as estranged from relatives and characterized his behavior on the jury as “arrogant” and “shocking.” The Plymouth District Attorney’s Office and the defense team declined to comment on the findings. The investigators’ report highlights potential gaps in the jury-selection process and calls for a review of the juror’s questionnaire.