The Lindsay Clancy murder trial in Massachusetts faces the prospect of a mistrial. The jury resumed deliberations for a sixth day on Thursday, despite informing the judge twice that they are deadlocked.
Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan urged the jurors to continue deliberations with what is known as a “dynamite charge.” This instruction is a final effort to reach a verdict. The jury, composed of nine women and three men, has deliberated for over 29 hours since receiving the case on August 27.
Lindsay Clancy has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder following the strangulation deaths of her children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months — at their Duxbury home on January 24, 2023.
“Unlikely we’re going to get a verdict,”commented CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi.
She stated, “I think it’s very unlikely we’re going to get a verdict. I think most likely the jury is going to deliberate for a few more hours, simply to appease the judge, then report that they are hopelessly deadlocked. At that point, the judge must declare a mistrial, as further pressure could result in a coercive verdict, which is subject to appeal.”
If a mistrial occurs, prosecutors will need to carefully decide how to proceed with the Clancy case. Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, stated he is prepared for a second trial soon.
Polisi explained, “Prosecutors and defense attorneys are going to want to poll the jurors after a potential mistrial to inform their strategy going forward. We may see a completely different approach if the case is tried a second time.”
She noted that the jury’s deadlock reflects the divided public opinion on the case nationwide. “It’s a microcosm. The jury’s division mirrors the public, where opinions are polarized.”
Jurors have five voting options for Clancy: not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter.
Defense attorney Reddington argued Clancy was not criminally responsible due to overmedication and postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors contended that Clancy planned the killings and was aware of her actions.
A conviction for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter would result in prison time for Clancy. A verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity would see her continue her treatment at Tewksbury State Hospital, with periodic reviews of her case.
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