On July 29, 2026, the trial of Lindsay Clancy continued in Massachusetts. The South Shore community heard a 911 call from her ex-husband, delivering distressing details about her mental health challenges preceding the deaths of their three children on January 24, 2023. Prosecutors and defense attorneys offer contrasting stories: Plymouth County prosecutors allege the 35-year-old planned the murders, while the defense argues she was overmedicated and suffering from postpartum psychosis.
Testimonies and 911 Call Details
Central to the trial is the testimony of Patrick Clancy about his ex-wife’s suicidal thoughts and comments about harming their children. Lindsay Clancy, who has pleaded not guilty to three first-degree murder charges, stands accused of strangling her children Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, before attempting suicide by cutting herself and jumping from a window.
Patrick Clancy’s 911 call: ‘She killed the kids’
Patrick Clancy testified that he returned home to find Lindsay outside, injured and bloody, after getting takeout and medicine. During the 6-minute 911 call, Patrick could be heard questioning Lindsay about the children’s whereabouts. She replied they were in the basement but didn’t indicate danger. As Patrick searched the house, his screams filled the call as he found the children, imploring, ‘I need help in the basement right now… She killed the kids.’
Inside the courtroom, Lindsay Clancy sobbed as she listened to the call. Patrick Clancy listened to the call after completing his testimony due to a judge’s approval to keep the recording private.
Ex-Husband Recalls Gruesome Details
Prior to playing the 911 call, prosecutors presented the jury with the children’s clothing and exercise bands allegedly used by Lindsay to strangle them. Notably, Lindsay Clancy avoided looking at these items.
Patrick Clancy detailed entering the basement and discovering his daughter Cora with a band around her neck, face down. Nearby, he saw Callan, also with a band around his neck. Searching further, he found Dawson in his office in a similar state. Patrick attempted CPR on the children until help arrived.
Mental Health Struggles
Patrick Clancy described his ex-wife as a caring, dedicated mother who battled insomnia, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Deteriorating mental health marked the months before the tragedy. During a phone call after the deaths, Lindsay mentioned hearing a man’s voice urging her to act or lose the chance. Patrick admitted on the stand that he was unfamiliar with the concept of psychosis until this event.
Clancy’s Medication Regimen
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington outlined Lindsay’s extensive medication list, referencing her diary entries documenting their effects. One entry from December 12 noted, ‘2.5 valium 200 seroquel — slept well horrible thoughts & no motivation.’ Patrick testified that Lindsay followed medical instructions with her medications.
A month before the incident, Lindsay stayed at McLean Hospital for psychiatric treatment. Patrick reflected that despite recent struggles, the day of the tragedy appeared to include ‘one of her best days.’
Future Trial Developments
Jurors will visit the Duxbury home where the children died. Police will secure the area during the visit, allowing parties to inspect the home without disturbing its contents, as per a court order.
If you’re experiencing emotional distress or are in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. For mental health resources, reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI or via email at [email protected].