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Jurors in the high-profile Lindsay Clancy murder trial face a final opportunity to reach a verdict before Judge William Sullivan considers declaring a mistrial. The case, which has drawn national attention over the past six weeks, remains unresolved as deliberations continue.
On Wednesday afternoon, shortly after returning from lunch, the jury submitted their second deadlock notice. After nearly five days of discussions, the panel-comprised of nine women and three men-reported they were still unable to agree unanimously on Clancy’s guilt or innocence. This followed a similar notification sent Tuesday morning.
Under court rules, Judge Sullivan can only send the jury back twice to deliberate before potentially declaring a mistrial, unless the jurors agree to extend their deliberation period. Following the second deadlock, Sullivan issued instructions urging the jury to make one more effort, emphasizing that reaching a verdict is “desirable.”
Should the jury return with a third deadlock notice on Wednesday, a mistrial is likely to be declared.
Meanwhile, defense attorney Kevin Reddington expressed readiness to proceed to a second trial, stating outside the Plymouth, Massachusetts courthouse on Thursday that he could begin as soon as next week. Prosecutors have not yet indicated their position regarding a possible retrial or its timing.
The jury’s task is to determine whether Clancy is criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children-Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months-who died on January 24, 2023. That day also saw Clancy attempt suicide by leaping from her bedroom window, an act that left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.
Reddington’s defense centers on the claim that Clancy was experiencing postpartum psychosis at the time of the tragedy. He argued she was compelled by auditory hallucinations commanding her to kill her children. Prosecutors countered this narrative, asserting Clancy was not psychotic but instead planned the killings, citing evidence that she sent her then-husband on errands to create an opportunity.
The prosecution is pursuing a first-degree murder conviction, which carries a mandatory life sentence. However, the jury may also consider lesser charges, such as second-degree murder or manslaughter, or find Clancy not criminally responsible due to her mental state at the time of the incident.