Attorney Kevin Reddington has expressed hope that prosecutors will reach a settlement following a mistrial in the case of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman accused of murdering her three children. The trial concluded on Friday when the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
Speaking on ABC’s Good Morning America, Reddington revealed his frustration with a single holdout juror who refused to acquit his client. For a conviction, jurors were required to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Clancy intentionally killed Cora, Dawson, and Callan, and that she was not suffering from a psychotic break at the time.
While the jury of nine women and three men debated between verdicts ranging from first-degree murder to manslaughter and not guilty by reason of insanity, Reddington stated that the remaining juror would not apply the legal standard of reasonable doubt as instructed by the judge. “That’s not right,” he said, adding that he was upset by the development.
Prosecutors presented dozens of witnesses, including medical experts, arguing that Clancy made a calculated decision to kill her children in their home’s basement in January 2023. Clancy does not deny the killings but maintains they were not premeditated and occurred while she was experiencing psychosis. A first-degree murder conviction would require proof of prior planning.
Reddington also publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for a pardon, describing Clancy as a young woman who has endured significant hardship. However, because the charges are state-level offenses, only Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has the authority to grant clemency. The BBC has contacted the governor’s office regarding the potential request.
Additionally, Reddington indicated he is open to working with Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz, whom he described as a “hard-charging prosecutor,” to find an acceptable resolution for both sides. Under Massachusetts law, Reddington has five days to file a motion asking the judge to enter a not-guilty verdict independently based on the trial evidence. The decision now rests with prosecutors to determine whether to retry the case or negotiate a deal.
This case keeps shifting like sand. I just hope whoever goes next time has a clearer plan than this messy trial.
Pardon from the President for a state crime? His lawyer seems confused on how the legal system actually works.
The holdout juror detail is wild. You’d think with three deaths, someone would have demanded a mistrial, not a deadlock.
Is a deal really the best outcome here? It feels like the law is being played instead of justice being served.
Hard to believe this happened. The legal maneuvering is complex, but the loss of those children is just heartbreaking.