A South Carolina lawmaker who prosecuted Susan Smith in her double-murder case believes the presence of women on Lindsay Clancy’s jury could be a surprising factor. Clancy, 36, faces charges of first-degree murder following the deaths of her three children – Cora, Dawson, and Callan, all under six – who were found strangled in their home in January 2023. Her defense attorney argues she suffered from postpartum psychosis at the time.
Testimony will conclude on Wednesday, with closing arguments expected on Thursday. The jury consists of 12 women and six men, but only 12 will ultimately deliberate. Comparisons have been drawn to Susan Smith, a South Carolina mother convicted of killing her sons by rolling her car into a lake. Initially, Smith claimed a carjacking by a Black man but later admitted to the crime. She was sentenced to life in prison.
Rep. Tommy Pope, former prosecutor in Smith’s case, suggested to Fox News Digital that women on the jury might not be as sympathetic to Clancy as anticipated. “Women shared experiences of depression or hardship during motherhood but emphasized the importance of their children,” Pope stated. This shared experience might make them less sympathetic to Clancy’s case.
Pope also noted Clancy’s physical condition may complicate the prosecution’s case. Her appearance in court in a wheelchair could influence jurors to see her as already punished. This could affect how the jury views her responsibility in the deaths of her children.
Pope observed, “Having her paralyzed doesn’t equate to her killing three children, yet it could lead some jurors to feel she’s already suffering.”
The prosecution challenges Clancy’s defense of psychosis, arguing it doesn’t exempt her from criminal responsibility. Forensic psychiatrist Gregory Saathoff stated Clancy’s reports of auditory hallucinations were unusual. He noted she hadn’t disclosed hearing voices to any mental health professional before.
Additional testimony suggested that hearing command hallucinations may not always impair the ability to conform to the law. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Phillip Resnick supported Clancy’s defense, testifying she operated under a “command hallucination” and lacked control over her actions.
Outside the courtroom, a supporter emphasized the need for improved mental health funding and education. The trial has highlighted gaps in postpartum care, acknowledging the difficulty many women face without sufficient support.
Adam Sabes is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Tips can be sent to [email protected].