The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the 36-year-old Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three young children in January 2023, entered its fourth week with emotional testimony from family members and mental health experts.
Clancy, who does not dispute that she strangled her children, is pleading not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, with her defense attorneys arguing that severe postpartum psychosis rendered her unable to understand the wrongfulness of her actions . The trial, taking place in Plymouth Superior Court, has drawn intense public interest as it navigates the complex intersection of mental health and criminal culpability.
As the case moves toward the jury, the central question is not whether Clancy killed 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan on Jan. 24, 2023, but whether she was criminally responsible for their deaths at the time .
Her lawyers argue she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe mental illness linked to the stress and hormonal changes that follow childbirth, while prosecutors contend she planned the killings and understood what she was doing .
What Happened on Jan. 24, 2023: The Incident
On the evening of Jan. 24, 2023, Patrick Clancy returned to the family’s Duxbury, Massachusetts, home after running errands and discovered a devastating scene. He found his three children, Cora (5), Dawson (3), and Callan (8 months), in the basement after they had been strangled.
Lindsay Clancy had also attempted to take her own life by cutting herself and jumping from a second-story window and was found outside the home .
Patrick Clancy’s 911 call, which has been played for jurors, captured his emotional distress as he reported the scene. According to court testimony, he can be heard telling the dispatcher, “She killed the kids!” . Clancy survived her fall but was left paralyzed from the waist down and now attends the trial in a wheelchair .
The deaths occurred just eight months after the birth of Clancy’s third child. Postpartum psychosis is a rare condition affecting an estimated 1 to 2 in 1,000 women after childbirth, according to researchers, and is more severe than postpartum depression .
Background: Who Is Lindsay Clancy?
Lindsay Clancy, 36, was a labor and delivery nurse, as was her former mother-in-law, Susan Clancy . She and Patrick Clancy are now divorced . Family members have described her as a “wonderful mother” who was “very nurturing” and loved her children, with her mother testifying that Clancy “always wanted to be a mother” .
However, in the months leading up to the tragedy, Clancy began exhibiting signs of severe mental health struggles. Her defense argues that after the birth of her third child in May 2022, she experienced worsening mental health symptoms, including insomnia, loss of appetite, severe anxiety, and depression . She sought treatment, checking herself into psychiatric facilities, but her attorneys have suggested her care was disjointed and inadequate .
Case Timeline: Major Developments
Fall 2022: Mental Health Decline Begins
Starting in October 2022, family members observed Lindsay Clancy becoming increasingly anxious, paranoid, and suicidal . Her mother, Paula Musgrove, and sister, Allison Ozga, testified that she was scared to sleep alone, believed her medications were “destroying her mind,” and expressed suicidal thoughts daily .
November 2022: Text Message to Mother-in-Law
On Nov. 30, 2022, Clancy texted her former mother-in-law: “I’m not okay and I’m terrified of taking meds tonight” . Susan Clancy, who worked as a labor and delivery nurse, helped her access treatment through a perinatal behavioral health program .
December 2022: Clancy Reports Harmful Thoughts
According to testimony from her mother, in December 2022, Clancy told her mother and husband that she “had thoughts of harming the children” . Her sister also testified that Clancy said she had experienced suicidal thoughts every day for a month . Clancy sought treatment at several psychiatric facilities during this time, including McLean Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital .
Jan. 24, 2023: The Killings
Prosecutors allege Clancy sent her husband to pick up dinner and medication, creating an opportunity for her to kill the children. She then strangled them and attempted suicide. The children were found in the family’s basement .
Jan. 24, 2023: Emergency Response and Hospitalization
First responders found Lindsay Clancy outside the home with severe injuries from the fall, including a spinal fracture that left her paralyzed. Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, a forensic pathologist testifying for the defense, told jurors that Clancy’s body temperature dropped to 82 degrees Fahrenheit after she landed on the frozen ground, and she suffered a “burst fracture” consistent with head impact injuries . She underwent multiple surgeries and was hospitalized for an extended period .
Post-January 2023: Legal Proceedings
Clancy was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and has been held at Tewksbury State Hospital. The prosecution spent three weeks presenting its case, calling dozens of witnesses, before resting on Aug. 16, 2026 . The defense began its case shortly after, calling family members and mental health experts.
August 2026: Trial Underway
In mid-August 2026, the trial entered its fourth week. Family members, including Clancy’s mother, sister, and former mother-in-law, testified for the defense about her mental health decline . Expert witnesses, including clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Paul Zeizel, testified about her psychiatric condition . On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the court session was adjourned early for an “unforeseen circumstance,” with court reconvening Thursday .
The Charges and Court Proceedings
Lindsay Clancy has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder . If convicted, she faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole . The trial is taking place in Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Massachusetts, before Judge William Sullivan .
The prosecution, led by Shanan Buckingham, has argued that Clancy planned the killings and intentionally sent her husband out of the house to carry out the act . They point to activities she performed that day, including taking her daughter to the doctor, playing with her children in the snow, and searching online for the pharmacy and restaurant where she sent her husband as evidence that she was functioning normally and knew what she was doing .
They also argue she has not heard voices since the incident and that her intrusive thoughts were described in medical records as feelings of wanting to die, not commands .
The defense, led by Kevin Reddington, argues Clancy should not be held criminally responsible because she was in a psychotic state and could not conform her behavior to the law .
They contend that Clancy was overmedicated and that her care was disjointed, with doctors not communicating with each other and denying her higher levels of care . Defense psychologists have testified that Clancy told them she heard a male voice ordering her to kill her children and herself .
The central issue is Clancy’s “criminal responsibility”—whether she understood the wrongfulness of her actions at the time of the killings. If the jury finds her not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility rather than prison .
What the Defense Has Argued
The defense’s case has centered on Clancy’s deteriorating mental health in the months before the killings. On Aug. 18, 2026, Clancy’s former mother-in-law, Susan Clancy, testified that Lindsay was “begging for help” in the months leading up to the deaths . She described Lindsay’s struggles with insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, and sadness .
Key defense witnesses have included:
Paula Musgrove (Clancy’s mother): Testified that her daughter was scared of sleeping alone, became increasingly paranoid, and believed medications “were destroying her mind.” Musgrove said Clancy told her and Patrick Clancy in December 2022 that she had thoughts of harming the children .
Allison Ozga (Clancy’s sister): Testified that Clancy had experienced suicidal thoughts every day for a month before the killings .
Dr. Paul Zeizel (Clinical and Forensic Psychologist): Zeizel, who has met with Clancy dozens of times since the killings and spent more than 35 hours with her, testified that she was not criminally responsible and suffered from “bipolar disorder with postpartum psychosis” .
He told the jury she said she heard a male voice ordering her to kill her children and herself . Zeizel also testified that psychological testing conducted by a government doctor found no evidence that Clancy was faking or exaggerating her symptoms .
Dr. Donald Condie (Forensic Psychiatrist): Condie testified for the defense that Clancy’s medical records showed symptoms consistent with postpartum psychosis, including feelings of being disconnected from reality and auditory hallucinations reported on the day of the killings .
Dr. Elizabeth Laposata (Forensic Pathologist): Laposata described the extent of Clancy’s injuries from her suicide attempt, including her low body temperature, spinal fracture, and “hesitation marks” on her wrists consistent with self-harm .
What the Prosecution Has Argued
Prosecutors have countered by presenting a case that Clancy understood her actions. Key prosecution points have included:
Premeditation: Clancy sent her husband out to run errands, which prosecutors argue was an intentional move to create an opportunity to kill the children .
Normal Activities: On the day of the killings, Clancy took her children to the doctor, played with them in the snow, and searched online for restaurants and pharmacies, showing she could perform routine tasks .
Credibility Challenges: Prosecutors have questioned the objectivity of Dr. Zeizel, pointing out that he treated Clancy while also working with the defense team and appeared at a news conference with her lawyer .
No Evidence of Voices: The prosecution has noted that Clancy’s medical records do not mention hearing voices telling her to kill herself—only reports that she “wanted to die” .
Lack of Psychosis Documentation: Doctors who treated Clancy before the killings testified they never saw her exhibit signs of mania or psychosis, though she repeatedly talked about feeling suicidal .
Post-Incident Behavior: Clancy has not heard voices since the Jan. 2023 incident, prosecutors argued, and she has reportedly not mentioned her children in some records from Tewksbury Hospital .
Latest Verified Developments (As of Aug. 19, 2026)
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, was Day 16 of the trial . Key developments included:
1. Forensic Psychologist Testifies Clancy Was Not Criminally Responsible
Dr. Paul Zeizel, a forensic psychologist who has been treating Clancy, testified for the defense that Clancy was unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of her actions . “She was unable to conform her behavior to the rule of law.
She had no appreciation for the wrongfulness of her act,” Zeizel testified, concluding that she suffered from “a mental disease or a defect” . He described her symptoms as consistent with postpartum psychosis and testified that she continues to think about her children daily .
2. Judge Rules TikTok Creator Cannot Testify
A TikTok creator and licensed clinical social worker, Emily Thorndike, was sought as a defense witness after posting videos disputing testimony about staffing and treatment practices at McLean Hospital, where Clancy was admitted on Dec. 31, 2022. The judge ruled that she could not testify after hearing her testimony outside the jury’s presence, citing concerns about her credibility and relevance .
3. Court Adjourned Early for “Unforeseen Circumstance”
Judge William Sullivan dismissed jurors early on Wednesday after the lunch break, citing “unforeseen circumstances” and asking them not to speculate about the reason . Court reconvened Thursday at 9 a.m. .
4. Defense Arguments Focus on Disjointed Care
The defense has presented evidence that Clancy’s mental health care was inadequate, with her attorney arguing that her multiple providers did not communicate effectively . Testimony from defense experts suggested that Clancy’s symptoms, including dissociation, brain fog, and auditory hallucinations, were missed by her health care providers .
What Happened to Passengers, Crew, Aircraft, and Emergency Response?
While this section relates to flight emergency procedures, it is not relevant to the Lindsay Clancy case. The Lindsay Clancy case concerns a criminal trial, not an aviation incident. There is no evidence that a flight named “AA1937” is involved in this case.
What This Means for the Verdict
The trial now rests with the jury, which will decide whether Lindsay Clancy was legally responsible for the deaths of her three children. The verdict will depend on whether the jury accepts the defense’s argument that she could not understand the wrongfulness of her actions or the prosecution’s assertion that she knew what she was doing.
If the jury finds her guilty, she will face life in prison. If the jury finds she is not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, she will be committed to a mental health facility .
Timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| May 2022 | Birth of Clancy’s third child, Callan |
| Fall 2022 | Clancy begins showing signs of mental health decline |
| Nov. 30, 2022 | Clancy texts mother-in-law: “I’m not okay and I’m terrified of taking meds tonight” |
| December 2022 | Clancy tells family she has thoughts of harming her children and suicidal thoughts |
| Dec. 31, 2022 | Clancy checks into McLean Hospital psychiatric facility |
| Jan. 24, 2023 | Clancy kills Cora (5), Dawson (3), and Callan (8 months); attempts suicide |
| Aug. 16, 2026 | Prosecution rests its case |
| Aug. 18, 2026 | Susan Clancy and Dr. Paul Zeizel testify for the defense |
| Aug. 19, 2026 | Day 16 of trial; Dr. Paul Zeizel completes testimony; judge rules TikToker cannot testify; court adjourns early |
FAQ
1. What is Lindsay Clancy accused of?
Lindsay Clancy is accused of killing her three children—Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months—on Jan. 24, 2023, at the family’s home in Duxbury, Massachusetts. She has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder.
2. Why does Lindsay Clancy say she killed her children?
Her defense argues that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness that can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. A psychologist testified that Clancy said a male voice was ordering her to kill her children and herself .
3. What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a rare and severe mental illness that can affect women soon after giving birth. It is more severe than postpartum depression and can cause hallucinations, delusions, and confusion. It affects an estimated 1 to 2 in 1,000 women after delivery .
4. What happened to Lindsay Clancy’s children?
Clancy’s three children—Cora (5), Dawson (3), and Callan (8 months)—were found strangled in the basement of the family home on Jan. 24, 2023 .
5. Did Lindsay Clancy survive a suicide attempt?
Yes. After killing her children, Clancy attempted to take her own life by cutting herself and jumping from a second-story window. She survived but was left paralyzed from the waist down and now attends the trial in a wheelchair .
6. What is the prosecution’s case against Lindsay Clancy?
Prosecutors argue that Clancy planned the killings and intentionally sent her husband out of the house to create an opportunity. They point to her performing routine activities on the day of the killings as evidence she was in control of her actions .
7. Who has testified in the trial?
Family members, including Clancy’s mother, sister, and former mother-in-law, have testified for the defense about her mental health decline . Forensic psychologist Dr. Paul Zeizel and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Donald Condie have testified as defense experts about her psychiatric condition . Prosecutors have called numerous witnesses, including first responders, medical professionals, and Patrick Clancy .
8. What is the defense’s argument?
The defense argues that Clancy was not criminally responsible because she could not understand the wrongfulness of her actions due to postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder . They have presented evidence that her mental health care was inadequate and that her symptoms were not recognized or properly treated .
9. When will the trial end?
The trial is ongoing. The defense began its case on Aug. 16, 2026, and is continuing to call witnesses . Court was scheduled to reconvene on Thursday, Aug. 20, after an early adjournment Wednesday .
10. What are the possible outcomes of the trial?
If convicted of first-degree murder, Clancy faces life in prison without parole . If the jury finds her not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility for treatment .