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The latest Lindsay Clancy trial updates show jurors remain unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The Massachusetts jury ended its fifth day of deliberations Wednesday without deciding whether Clancy was criminally responsible for killing her three children.
Jurors will return to Plymouth Superior Court on Thursday morning. They have deliberated for more than 28 hours since receiving the case last week.
Lindsay Clancy Trial Updates Include Second Deadlock Notice
The jury told Judge William Sullivan for a second time Wednesday that it could not agree on a verdict. The panel first reported an impasse Tuesday morning.
Sullivan responded Wednesday with a Tuey-Rodriguez instruction. Massachusetts judges use the instruction as a final effort to help a deadlocked jury reach a unanimous decision.
The judge asked jurors to consider opposing views and review their own positions when appropriate. However, he also told them not to abandon their honest convictions simply to produce a verdict.
Jurors continued their discussions before leaving for the day. The panel includes nine women and three men, according to CBS News Boston.
What the Jury Must Decide
Clancy, 36, faces three first-degree murder charges in the deaths of her children. Cora was 5, Dawson was 3 and Callan was 8 months old.
The children died inside the family’s Duxbury home on Jan. 24, 2023. Clancy’s defense does not dispute that she killed them. Instead, her attorneys argue that severe mental illness left her unable to understand or control her actions.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington has said Clancy experienced postpartum psychosis and was affected by several prescription medications. Prosecutors argue that she planned the killings and understood that her actions were wrong.
Jurors heard conflicting opinions from medical experts during the trial. Their testimony examined Clancy’s psychiatric condition, treatment history and behavior before the children’s deaths.
The jury can unanimously select one of five outcomes. The options are first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, not guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity.
Mistrial Remains a Possibility
A mistrial could occur if the jury remains unable to reach a unanimous decision. Sullivan has not declared one, and deliberations remain active.
If a mistrial occurs, prosecutors could seek another trial with a new jury. They could also consider a plea agreement or decide not to pursue another prosecution. Officials have not announced any plans for those possibilities.
A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity would not necessarily result in Clancy’s release. She would remain at Tewksbury State Hospital, where her condition and legal status would receive periodic reviews.
A murder or manslaughter conviction would result in Clancy being sent to prison. The potential sentence would depend on the final conviction.
Judge Addresses Courthouse Recording Incident
Wednesday’s proceedings also followed the arrest of a woman accused of filming jurors outside the courthouse. The woman pleaded not guilty to an intimidation charge.
Her attorney said she intended to photograph Clancy and did not mean to record jurors. Sullivan questioned jury members before deliberations continued Wednesday.
The judge previously prohibited spectators from filming, following or contacting jurors. Those restrictions aim to protect the jury and preserve a fair trial.
The case has drawn national attention to postpartum mental health and criminal responsibility. However, jurors must base their decision on the evidence and legal instructions presented in court.
Anyone experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis can call or text 988 for confidential support.
