The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy in Massachusetts is on the brink of a mistrial. The jury has entered its sixth day of deliberations, despite reporting to the judge twice about their deadlock. On Wednesday, Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan instructed the jurors to resume discussions with a ‘dynamite charge,’ a final push to reach a verdict.
The jury, composed of nine women and three men, has been deliberating for more than 29 hours. Clancy faces charges of first-degree murder for the deaths of her three children – Cora, age 5, Dawson, age 3, and Callan, 8 months – who were found strangled at their home in Duxbury on January 24, 2023.
CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi expressed doubts about reaching a verdict, stating, “Unlikely we’re going to get a verdict. I think most likely the jury is going to deliberate a few more hours, only to eventually declare themselves hopelessly deadlocked. At that point, a mistrial must be declared, as further deliberation would lead to a coercive verdict.”
Polisi noted that prosecutors would need to reevaluate their approach if the trial ends without a resolution. Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, declared readiness for a second trial immediately.
Both prosecution and defense might poll the jurors following a possible mistrial to gather insight on how to proceed with the case. A different theory might be presented if tried again. Public opinion is deeply divided, mirroring the jury’s deadlock.
The jury must unanimously choose from five possible verdicts: not guilty due to insanity, not guilty, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter. Reddington argues Clancy was not criminally responsible owing to postpartum psychosis linked to overmedication. Prosecutors contend she knowingly planned the killings.
“Nobody can agree”
Polisi remarked, “The jury’s division isn’t surprising given the split public opinion across the country. It’s a microcosm indicating why they remain deadlocked.”
Conviction for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter would result in imprisonment. Acquittal due to insanity would mandate Clancy’s continued stay at Tewksbury State Hospital, subject to periodic review.
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