The jury in the Lindsay Clancy trial resumed deliberations on Wednesday in Massachusetts. This marks the fifth day of discussions after expressing a deadlock earlier. The panel consists of nine women and three men, who have spent approximately 25 hours deliberating since last Thursday at Plymouth Superior Court.
Judge William Sullivan received a note from the jury on Tuesday morning, indicating they could not reach a unanimous decision. He instructed them to continue their discussions. Clancy faces charges of first-degree murder for the deaths of her three children – Cora, aged five, Dawson, aged three, and Callan, aged eight months – in their Duxbury home on January 24, 2023.
Lindsay Clancy appeared in Plymouth Superior Court on September 1, 2026. Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger/Pool
Jury Options
Jurors have five options: not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter. A hung jury may lead to a mistrial. This has occurred twice in Massachusetts recently, including the 2023 case of Emanuel Lopes and the 2024 first Karen Read trial.
Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, argues she was not criminally responsible due to being overmedicated and suffering from postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors contend Clancy planned the murders and understood the implications when she strangled her children.
“We don’t know what’s occurring in the jury room or what issues they face,” legal analyst Jennifer Roman of WBZ-TV said. “Maybe they agree on insanity but not the charge. They might be stuck between guilty or not guilty by insanity. It’s unclear.”
Reddington criticized Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz for the first-degree murder charge, which mandates a jury trial. A second-degree murder charge might have allowed for a plea deal or a judge’s verdict instead.
When questioned by WBZ-TV’s Penny Kmitt about Clancy’s willingness to face another trial, Reddington declined to share details, citing confidentiality with his client. Woman Accused of Filming Jurors
A 56-year-old woman named Dawn Light was arrested Tuesday outside the courthouse for allegedly filming jurors as they exited. Arranged in court on a charge of juror intimidation, her attorney argued she intended to photograph Clancy, not record jurors. Light was allowed to leave on the understanding she would return to court on October 15.
If convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter, Clancy will serve a prison sentence. A not-guilty verdict by reason of insanity mandates her continued stay at Tewksbury State Hospital, pending periodic reviews.
If you or someone else is struggling with emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. For mental health support and resources, the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or via email at [email protected].
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