Lindsay Clancy Murder Trial Faces Possible Mistrial as Jury Remains Deadlocked

The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy in Massachusetts is approaching a potential mistrial after the jury reported being deadlocked for the second time. On Thursday, September 3, the panel resumed deliberations for a sixth day, despite having informed Judge William Sullivan of their inability to reach a consensus.

Wednesday afternoon, Judge Sullivan issued a final instruction known as a “dynamite charge,” a judicial tool used as a last resort to encourage jurors to reconsider their positions and achieve a verdict. The jury, composed of nine women and three men, has deliberated for more than 30 hours since receiving the case on Thursday, August 27.

CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi expressed skepticism that a verdict would be reached. “I think that we’re at the end of the road here,” Polisi said. She predicted the jurors would deliberate for a few more hours to satisfy the judge before reporting they were hopelessly deadlocked, which would compel Sullivan to declare a mistrial. Polisi noted that continuing to pressure the jury could result in a coercive verdict, which is highly susceptible to appeal on retrial.

Clancy has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges related to the strangulation deaths of her three children—8-month-old Callan, 3-year-old Dawson, and 5-year-old Cora—in their Duxbury home on January 24, 2023. If convicted of murder or manslaughter, she faces imprisonment. A verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity would require her to remain at Tewksbury State Hospital for periodic review.

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington argued that Clancy was not criminally responsible due to being overmedicated and suffering from postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors, however, contended that Clancy planned the killings and retained an understanding of right and wrong at the time.

Polisi observed that the jury’s division mirrors the polarized national public opinion surrounding the case. “It’s a microcosm… It’s not shocking that we’re at a complete deadlock, because look at everybody else out there, where nobody can agree,” she said.

If a mistrial is declared, both prosecution and defense will likely poll jurors to determine how to proceed in a potential second trial. Reddington indicated his client would be ready for a retrial as early as the following week. Polsi suggested that a second trial might involve a completely different legal theory or framing of the case.