The attorney for Michael P. Desronvil, the sole holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial, spoke to Fox News about his client’s resolute decision. In the interview, attorney Edward Paltzik told host Kayleigh McEnany that there was no uncertainty in Desronvil’s mind during deliberations. Paltzik emphasized, “Michael had zero doubt. No doubt.” He backed this claim by stating there was “a lot of evidence. A mountain of evidence.”
Lindsay Clancy had admitted to killing her three children, aged five, three, and eight months, in January 2023. She faced charges of first-degree murder. Her defense argued for diminished responsibility due to postpartum psychosis. After five weeks of testimony and seven days of jury deliberations, the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict, leading Judge William Sullivan to declare a mistrial.
This case has triggered a national debate on postpartum psychosis, women’s mental health, and the trial processes for defendants with mental illnesses.
Who Is Michael Desronvil?
Michael Desronvil, 48, from Massachusetts, was identified as the lone dissenting juror in Clancy’s trial. After the mistrial declaration, his fellow jurors criticized his approach to deliberations publicly. Some jurors claimed Desronvil was reluctant to fully consider their viewpoints. Jury foreperson Roni Carlson mentioned Desronvil acknowledged having reasonable doubt at one point but did not agree that Clancy should be found not criminally responsible.
Fellow juror Paula Devlin described Desronvil as “very arrogant” during deliberations and noted that they repeatedly reviewed medical and toxicology evidence to address his concerns. Desronvil responded through his lawyer, stating, “I didn’t have any doubts. As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence present.”
Desronvil has received considerable public attention due to his role in the case. He remains in a secure and undisclosed location in Northern New England. An online fundraiser supporting him has raised over $350,000.
Court records reveal that in September 2021, Desronvil faced an assault charge against his then-wife. He pleaded not guilty, and the charges were dismissed in December 2021, resulting in no conviction.
What Happens Next in Lindsay Clancy Case?
Following the mistrial, Lindsay Clancy’s case remains unresolved, with charges still pending. A status hearing is scheduled for September 29 in Plymouth Superior Court before Judge Sullivan. Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, has filed a motion for a required finding of not guilty. Reddington also plans to argue against another prosecution on double-jeopardy grounds.
Clancy is currently in custody, receiving psychiatric treatment at Tewksbury State Hospital in Massachusetts.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.