Jury Standoff: Lindsay Clancy Trial Judge to Grill Holdout Juror Friday
A Massachusetts judge is set to interrogate the lone juror allegedly blocking a verdict in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, as the high-stakes case enters its seventh day of deliberations.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington told reporters Thursday that Judge William Sullivan will hold an inquiry into the holdout juror at 9 a.m. Friday, after the jury foreperson sent a note claiming one juror 'refuses to listen to the law' on reasonable doubt.
'The juror has been identified by the note from the foreperson, and there will be an inquiry by the judge tomorrow at 9 o'clock,' Reddington said outside the courthouse.
What did the jury note say in the Clancy trial?
The foreperson's note to Judge Sullivan alleged that one juror 'refuses to listen to the law that [Sullivan has] given him or her on reasonable doubt.' Reddington immediately asked the judge to dismiss that juror, but Sullivan declined on the spot.
Instead, the judge reread his instructions on reasonable doubt, reminded the panel to follow his legal guidance, and sent them back to the deliberation room.
Defense demands open court proceedings
Reddington filed an emergency motion Friday morning demanding a standing order 'that there will be no further side bars and this trial and all related proceedings will be handled in open court.'
So far, Sullivan has preferred to hold attorney discussions at the bench, out of public earshot. Reddington wants that to end.
'I don't know what [Sullivan's] question is going to be yet. We'll have an argument about it,' Reddington said. 'I don't think it will be at the sidebar. I think it will be in open court, which is my concern that we have our arguments in open court, not at the sidebar.'
What are the charges against Lindsay Clancy?
Clancy, 36, faces three counts of first-degree murder in the January 2023 deaths of her children: 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan. She admits to strangling them at the family's Duxbury home but pleads not guilty by reason of insanity.
Her defense argues she suffered postpartum psychosis and heard a voice commanding her to kill the children and herself. Prosecutors counter that she was severely depressed but still knew right from wrong.
Clancy has been committed to Tewksbury Hospital since 2023 and remains on one-to-one suicide watch more than three years later.
What happens if the jury is hung?
Jurors have twice reported they cannot reach consensus. On Wednesday, Sullivan issued the Tuey-Rodriguez charge, a final judicial step before declaring a hung jury and mistrial.
The panel can also consider lesser charges of second-degree murder or manslaughter.
Even if Clancy wins an insanity acquittal, she may not walk free. Prosecutors can petition the court to commit her to a mental facility if she remains a danger to herself or others, with periodic review hearings to revisit the decision.
Where to watch the Clancy trial livestream
Law & Crime is livestreaming the proceedings. Readers can sign up for email, Apple app, or Android app alerts for the verdict.
If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum mood disorders, text or call 1-833-TLC-MAMA. For suicide prevention, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.