Lindsay Clancy Holdout Juror Claims He Had No Doubts About Guilt

Michael Desronvil, the sole juror who refused to convict Lindsay Clancy of murder, released a statement asserting that he harbored no uncertainty regarding her criminal responsibility. Desronvil claimed during deliberations that his attempts to outline alternative theories were repeatedly interrupted, leading others to assume he had reservations about the evidence.

“I didn’t have any doubts,” Desronvil said in a statement obtained by CBS News through his representative, Ray Marcel. “Based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses, and what the prosecution presents, I thought it was enough proof that she knew exactly what she was doing and planned.”

On September 4, the seventh day of deliberations, the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. Clancy, who pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in the deaths of her children—8-year-old Cora, 5-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan—at their Massachusetts home in January 2023, admitted to killing them but argued she should not be held criminally responsible due to mental illness.

Fellow juror Paula Devlin previously told CBS Mornings that the majority spent several days attempting to persuade Desronvil, who maintained he believed Clancy was guilty of murder. “We all worked together to convince ourselves once we got to that point where it was 10 to 2,” Devlin said. “I felt very bad for them because they felt attacked. And there is no way to not do that.”

Desronvil’s attorney, Edward Andrew Paltzik, announced on social media that he is now representing the holdout juror. Paltzik stated that Desronvil is currently at an undisclosed secure location in rural Northern New England, citing widespread online criticism and attacks following the mistrial declaration. “Rest assured that the evil people who have so viciously attacked this American Hero and Champion of Justice will be held accountable to the maximum extent of the law and beyond,” Paltzik wrote.

Recent reports revealed that Desronvil faced domestic violence allegations in 2021. According to court records, Brockton police responded to an incident where he was accused of grabbing his wife by the throat and throwing her into a dresser during an argument. He pleaded not guilty to domestic violence assault and battery, but the charge was later dismissed.

CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi noted that the central issue is whether Desronvil disclosed these allegations on his juror questionnaire. However, she added that because a mistrial has already been declared, it remains unclear if this matter will affect the case moving forward.

Judge William Sullivan declared the mistrial after the jury reported being deadlocked on three separate occasions. District Attorney Timothy Cruz has not yet decided whether to retry Clancy. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 29 at Plymouth Superior Court.