LIVE UPDATES: Defense moves for a mistrial after State’s expert testifies about Clancy’s religion
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Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial is underway in Massachusetts. The 36-year-old woman is charged with three counts of murder for the strangling deaths of her three children, ages 5, 3, and 8 months old. Clancy is present in a wheelchair after she was paralyzed by injuries she sustained when she jumped from her home’s second-story window in an alleged suicide attempt. Her defense lawyer claims she was insane at the time, suffering from postpartum psychosis, and could not appreciate the wrongfulness of her actions. We are posting live updates from the courtroom here. Time notes are Eastern Daylight Time. Please forgive typos.
3:26 p.m. Judge calls jury back in and says the line of questioning about Clancy’s Catholic faith is completely inappropriate and jurors should disregard it. He excuses the jury until tomorrow.
3:20 p.m. Commonwealth did not ask about Catholicism and mortal sin. The witness was explaining his reasoning. The witness has to evaluate whether the def could appreciate the wrongfulness of her actions. I don’t think he was trying to inflame the jury. I didn’t ask about the religion. Not where I intended to go with this questioning. Witness said, “Go to God, baby” She and the children will be in heaven with God, then he testified she was raised a Catholic. I’m not going to declare a mistrial. It’s an inappropriate line of questioning.
I will minimize the damage. That will give the CW time to tell him what areas he can go into.
3:18 p.m. Defense Reddington: This has been a long trial. The strain on Lindsay Clancy, I have to move for a mistrial this is intentional misconduct – injection of Roman Catholic sin, I objected. Judge instructed the jury to disregard. I made a tactical decision. This is just over the top, same thing talking about religion, killing people, the fact that this is not the first time, the concept of mortal sin. They brought it up again it is intentional misconduct. Move for a mistrial.
3:17 p.m. Court is back in session
2:50 p.m. She was in pain she was suffering she was desperate, that’s characterized by people who take their own life. She denied at some point she had to answer the question about what to do about the kids. She was convinced that they would suffer without her. One of the things that she said – in the course of strangling the children, she said, “Go to God baby” She was raised as a Catholic. At one point I asked her, “Isn’t suicide a moral sin.” sidebar.
2:47 p.m. She wasn’t thinking about whether it was illegal at all.
2:46 p.m. When she regained consciousness she said she wasn’t able to remember she was informed it. Had it been a genuine memory loss. one of the things that happens, things it would have been hard to understand how she could remember it accurately particularly the command auditory hallucination.
2:42 p.m. I found the account of hallucinations to be very very unusual -it was constant and lasted for 18 minutes. if it was intrusive then it was consistent with the thoughts she had been having. she was experiencing thoughts of hurting herself because she thought her brain was damaged. That made more sense, rather than an auditory hallucination it would be an unwelcome intrusive thoughts. when he got home at 6:00 p.m. the house was quiet. Called upstairs didn’t get an answer, found the bedroom door locked. ran downstairs and saw his wife lying there – what did you do?
I tried to kill myself. If she had experienced command hallucination, she would have said “I did what I had to do.” This is a serious highly lethal suicide attempt.
2:27 p.m. What evidence did you see that supported acute psychosis? It’s what she said, sometime in the afternoon she heard a voice, ‘this is the last chance, you have to kill the kids then kill yourself.’ That would be command hallucinations.It could be severe mental illness, thought broadcasting -I would literally the idea, if I’m thinking you can hear.
What did not support acute psychosis? Paranoid delusion lasted only 18 minutes, this is very unusual to experience a delusion just when you’re committing the crime. It’s a convenient way to explain away criminal responsibility. And she was inconsistent. To some people she said I only heard this – and to other people she said this. Looked at research on fabricated hallucinations some research suggest that if the voice is external it is genuine. She reported that the voice external which but that it lasted 18 minutes, and she has not experienced it before or after. Individuals who experience these hallucinations try to reduce their influence, try praying, listening to music. she did not try to stop the voice.
2:24 p.m. Most of the reasons why people kill didn’t apply to LC. Possible reasons why are 1)acute psychosis, 2) suicide and you kill children if you think it would prevent them from suffering. Use the example of a holocaust -you can’t go through it so you think about taking your children with you (suicide) In my mind 2 possible explanations, acute psychosis, this was a serious suicide attempt and she wanted the children with her so they wouldn’t suffer if she was gone. Most of the evidence supported the 2nd one not the first.
2:22 p.m. It was important to know what was going on – killing her children was so out of character. Speaking to her and her husband they were never hands on, never spanking, both felt bad when they yelled at the kids. Imagine her doing something like this seemed so out of character had to figure out why.
2:17 p.m. She a score of 0 on childhood traumatic events. Suicide scales- results – when she responded to one of them as though she was filling it out in Jan 2023. this was a serious suicide. She remains at high risk for suicide hence the one on one supervision for 3.5 years. Her description of how she was feeling in Jan 2023, hopeless, self-conscious, something is wrong with her mind. Problems with attention and concentration. Most of these are consistent with Depression. She was improving somewhat from December. Responsibility – not elevated; Perfection – she works hard, but not elevated. She was elevated in importance in control of thoughts. To her important to control her mind. She had been trying hard since October to basically control the problems she was having and not succeeding.
Hallucination scale, she endorsed a couple of things: heard voice and person not there was only on Jan24, troubled by voices in my head, only on Jan 24.
2:14 p.m. Continued direct of Heibrun – results of the psych test for LC?
This is 3.5 years after the alleged offense. Much of it will describe her behavior of April of 2026 instead of January of 2023. Some of these tests are administered based on what is it like for you then. MMPI shows her right now and showed a slight tendency to underreport, did it in the way that was sophisticated. There are a number of clinical scales not actively symptomatic or in great distress. One scale that is elevated – sucide and death. She has been on one to one – highest level this is a very long time to be on that kind of precaution. She was at risk, remains at risk, still is.
2:13 p.m. Court is back in session, judge calls for the jury.
12:56 p.m. Court excuses jury for lunch back at 2:00
12:51 p.m. What types of psych testing did you do with Ms. Clancy? Wanted to look at response styles. Reliable responding is replying as accurately as she possibly can. Malingering and Minimizing are response styles, in which the person is either faking or minimizing symptoms. Using scale to determine suicide ideation
12:42 p.m. Witness Diagnosed Clancy: Bipolar 2 – less serious way of experiencing bipolar. You have to have mood swings, one is a period of depression, which she had over a period of time, depressed symptoms, sadness. You need an identifiable period where the mood is much greater, manic period, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, excessive appetites, not getting tired, feeling important and powerful. I was having a hard time finding what looked like a manic episode. After the birth of the children, she felt good, also something it didn’t look like a manic episode. What convinced me – she has been at Tewksbury – and her diagnosis there is bipolar. Ended up with a diagnosis of bipolar 2 – less severe form of bipolar.
12:36 p.m. Symptoms were getting a lot worse, and she was experiencing a new symptom–insomnia. She continued to emphasize it with her providers. She had a little bit of counseling.
Between October and December she had a lot of providers, and a lot of diagnosis, adjustment disorder, post partum psychosis, bipolar, PTSD she has now. She had a disorder and symptoms complicating factors, she had serious sleep deprivation, she had anxiety, worried about the baby. The other thing important, she was into exercise, stopped sometime in October when she had adverse reaction.
12:29 p.m. December 15 she described as one of her worst days. Husband took her to Mass General. They did not take her for their postpartum program she did not meet the criteria. They did offer her 3 other programs, her response was to discuss it. She was going to talk to Dr. Tufts. She was admitted to McLean on Jan 1. Post Partum Depression and Major Depressive Disorder were her diagnosis. She stayed at McLean for 5 days -documented as n risk, At the time she was discharged she was described as cooperative and plaasamt. When she left Mclean – the intrusive thoughts returned after a week.
12:26 p.m. November/December she began experiencing intrusive thoughts.Described them as her thoughts not auditory illusions. Coming from outside that’s a psychotic symptom. She described them as unwelcome but internal thoughts. Were they your own thoughts, they were like my own thoughts.
12:20 p.m. Mental Health in September of 2022: She was anxious about leaving Callan, going back to work. She was breastfeeding and anxious that he was not taking the bottle. It prompted her to see Dr. Tufts, who prescribed her Zoloft. She didn’t take it right away, started in October. She was anxious about her husband’s leave ending, she had symptoms of depression, had insomnia, felt a lot of stress. In October she had hoped and planned to return to work, her symptoms were very diffcult. Going into November, a lot of difficulty leaving the baby, racing heartbeat. It was her thought the meds were giving her adverse reactions. Late in Nov, lot of trouble sleeping, she was feeling like a zombie, worried about being dependent on benzos, forgetful.
12:15 p.m. What were your conclusions of LC before September 2022, she had limited history. She had anxiety, very strong student, straight A student. She had anxiety in nursing school anxiety over her pregnancies, and when she returned to work after giving birth. She was anxious about returning to work after each child, because she didn’t like to leave her children. She was high-achieving, hard-working, disciplined, anxiety drove her to some extent. She did not experience anxiety that interfered with her functioning.
12:12 p.m. Conducted joint interview with Dr. Mack a lot of the questions were similar on background, on the 3rd day interviewed her for step by step detail. Interviewed her together on two days but came up with individual reports. They did not agree on a diagnosis.
12:05 p.m. Conducted forensic evaluation of Lindsay Clancy, reviewed information, met with Clancy. Met with her for 3 days. Second day was psychological testing and third day was meeting with her with Dr. Mack. Reviewed records, including cell phones, reports by Resnick and Spinelli, digital forensic records, surveillance footage, police records, how much time have you spent on this case 180 hours. 10.5 hours meeting with Clancy and interviews, interviewed Patrick, mother-in-law, requested an interview with Lindsay’s sister – who he did not interview.
11:52 a.m. Rebuttal #3 Dr. Kirk Heilbrun, Psychologist:
Runs 2 clinics at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Teaches courses in forensic assessment, conducts forensic evaluations for judges and attorneys. In his forensic evaluation he tries to be as accurate an thorough as possible. He would not evaluate someone he is treating. Testified as an expert over 300 times, and testified for both the prosecution and defense, 75% for the defense.
11:07 a.m. Court is taking its morning recess.
11:06 a.m. Defense: Did my office have any control over when you talked to LC? I don’t know.
10:58 a.m.: A person can have a severe mood disorder then one can add on the specifiers that have been defined. DSM talks – Bipolar is a disorder of mood. If there is a way to determine if severe mood condition is bipolar or major depressive disorder. Specifier provides details but is not the major diagnosis. Description of what is observed over time. DSM 5 provides a manner in which to make a diagnosis. It’s important to include what others have observed, but as a physician you come to your own diagnosis. What are the 9 general symptoms to find someone suffering from Major Depressive Disorder – you have to have 5 of th 9 symptoms, starting out with lack of feeling pleasure, depression, feelings of guilt & worthlessness, problems with sleep eating. A lot of the symptoms are in the category of Major Depressive Disorder.
10:55 a.m. Continued Redirect: You were retained in a case in Florida? It was a report – my recollection in the phase of a summary judgment proceeding use of my testimony was discussed- I recall – Dr. Mack is not a qualified expert in this case. Why? My recollection was that the information I was aware of was limited. You were offering your expertise in addiction – not criminal responsibility. correct.
10:42 Redirect: You were asked to focus on the mental condition of Lindsay Clancy – were you provided the information you reviewed, are you aware where the information came from. Not necessarily, only that I reviewed them. You were retained in early 2025. Information came to you up until the point you met with def in 2026. April date was when you were permitted to go and see her? correct. LC repeatedly declined to take a break. Yes. /sidebar
10:40 a.m. Are there blood tests that show enzyme reaction to drugs. There are tests that can see enzyme reaction – that was not administered to LC, I don’t think so. What about thyroid test – important to check thyroid. The answer is yes.
10:34 a.m. Would you agree that someone with PP psychosis could have periods of normalcy. Do not agree. What about severe sleep deprivation? I can’t answer. Rapid mood swings a symptom, can’t answer. complain of don’t feel like myself – it might be. is there any evidence of thoughts of harming her children. there were periods she had intrusive thoughts of harming her children. If I come to you about intrusive thoughts about harming their children, did anyone ask the question. McLean did. Do you believe she had good medical care from tufts and Jollota, no option. Her family could see the change? yes. complaints of suicide? yes. poor insight? not sure. If the person has symptoms 1 through 9 – isn’t it a strong indicator or psychosis. don’t agree. what about blood tests? some times they’re needed, but some psychs feel comfortable prescribing without a blood test.
10:30 a.m. Hearing voices is a symptom? (doesn’t answer) Reddington answers for him.the answer is no. I didn’t find any evidence of psychosis, was there evidence that she was hearing voices? she complained about intrusive thoughts. what about delusional beliefs distorted reality? I saw no evidence of psychosis or delusions. Distorted reality is a symptom of psychosis? I don’t know what your authority is. Judge interrupts to instruct the witness.
10:27 a.m. I’m aware of the symptoms of psychosis – do you agree that PP Psychosis is a legit disease? At any time particularly post partum it is legitimate. You’re referring to the 4 weeks? I’m saying anytime. The presence of psychosis is always concern. Labeling something the DSM provides guidance as to the time frame that’s different from me saying it’s not a serious condition.
10:24 a.m. Would it concern you that LC was worried about people hearing her thoughts and worried that her children would be taken away? She was suffering. What about distorted thoughts? Did she complain of that to her health care providers. Yes. Appears normal, calm, laughing between episodes. Would you agree PP psychosis waxes and wanes? I’m asking about this Lindsay Clancy – that you’re saying she is criminally responsible to this jury?
10:19 a.m. Did LC indicate she had episodes of fear, overwhelmed, trouble sleeping, sad and miserable not able to emote, thoughts of harming herself. yes. She had thoughts of suicide? According to the EPDS, she hits everyone of those symptoms in the medical records – can’t answer the question.
10:16 a.m. Reddington: did anyone tell you that an episiotomy is not a tear, it’s s a surgical procedure. If a woman has a baby and comes to you because she is in trouble.is it a symptom of postpartum depression? did LC say she could not laugh, or find pleasure. is it one of the symptoms of PP depression. It’s the same. next symptom is anxious or worried with no good reason? can’t answer.
10:09 a.m. Are you familiar with postpartum psychosis? (Reddington is increasingly annoyed that the witness is not responding to his questions). I’m asking about your familiarity with postpartum depression. Do you think the postnatal Edinburgh scale is important. yes. Listed stress and depression, which she had. Friday you said the episiotomy is a tear. I don’t recall the wording. Did someone tell you you were off base about the episiotomy? Don’t remember exact words.
10:05 a.m. She’s been a cocktail of medications since being at Tewksbury. Do you recall in the medical records, she was not able to sleep, and didn’t feel the need to sleep. Is that not an indicia of mania. She wanted to sleep.
9:55 a.m. Your opinion – was that she suffered a mood disorder – major depressive disorder, she may also had anxiety. you’re aware she has been treated at tewkesbury for a mental disorder. I believe it’s an adjustment disorder – what was dr. halbert’s diagnosis. I think he diagnosed bipolar type 2. Jollata indicated the possibility of bipolar disorder. dr. Resnick’s opinion – bipolar type 2. how about dr. zeizel, what about Spinelli? I reviewed her report. Her diagnosis was bipolar type 1. Would you agree that is an indicator of post partum depression. I’m confused. You feel this is or is not an indicative of someone suffering from post partum depression? The time frame designated with post partum onset is 4 weeks. There’s a proposal to amend the post partum period to 6 weeks. would you agree with me that it could last up to 6 weeks. Since she’s been at Tewkesbury – she hasn’t had symptoms. Other than the fact that she’s paralyzed not been unable to communicate.
9:53 a.m. sidebar
9:51 a.m. Bipolar 2 – you have to have a major depressive episode, a hypomanic episode. three symptoms. Bipolar 2 is a serious mental illness. yes. how long did you interview her for the 3rd day? perhaps 3 hours. after you completed your violation, that LC was suffering a major mental disease, bipolar 2. what was your diagnosis. She suffered from a major depressive episode.
9:47 a.m. You know that one of her health care providers thought she might be suffering from bipolar 2. yes. Is it appropriate to give someone with bipolar 1 or 2 to an SSRI. There is a need for someone with bipolar to avoid SSRI, that has been reduced over time.in your opinion it’s ok to give them an SSRI. that’s not what I said. Mania – state defined in the dsm. what are the symptoms of mania. it is a building block for bipolar – need to see it for 7 days include thought process, intractability, engagement in activities that are pleasurable, pressured speech, grandiosity, excess degree of goal directed behavior.
9:43 a.m. Reddington gets annoyed with Mack for smiling – draws objection from the CW. Defense is asking about the MPPI. Question is how to get an accurate assessment of their personality. MPP! is not designed as a lie detector. If there is a deviation of the K scale – what does that mean? may come to a threshold the user can’t gather information about the person’s personality. It’s not reliable. The subject of the test is not forthright. You are aware that when Kurt Halburn gave LC the test there was no indication of lying or malingering. Effectively it was a valid test.
9:40 a.m. After the joint session, Kirk went back a second day for psychological testing.
9:37 a.m. When you went out there the two of you met in the parking lot? yes. the purpose was to interview her? yes. they have people that escort you. The two of you go into a room, she’s sitting in a wheelchair by herself for how many hours did you interview her. Interviewed 4 or 5 hours. She did not ask for a break. We took a break during the interview we discussed the schedule she had for catheterization.
9:34 a.m. How much money do you make a year from evaluations? several hundred thousand dollars. Did they call you or did you call them? I don’t recall. did you know the factual allegations were? Yes, I believe they were conveyed to me. when you were engaged to work for the CW office- I was retained by the DA’s office. Do you know what confirmatory bias? Confirmatory bias what does it mean? It refers to the idea an individual has an idea, and gathers information to bring that point together. Would you agree with me when you are retained and you are engaged by a prosecutor is it fair to say you have a confirmatory bias? you read all this material, spoke to the prosecutors and talked to Kirk Halburn.
9:30 a.m. There are no reports of LC being abusive of the children? That’s a component of the report. You also had the Aster mental health records, yes.
9:20 a.m. Defense Reddington asks about a Pennsylvania and Florida cases in which he testified and the courts found his qualifications lacking – Mack does not recall and disputes Reddington’s findings. You’re here to testify in front of this jury regarding LC’s state of mind at the time she killed her children? yes. You evaluated her in 2026- 3 years after the incident.
9:18 a.m. Mack is testifying under the umbrella of Park Dietz and associates. (Dietz testified as an expert in the Andrea Yates case, and an error in his testimony in the Yates case caused her first trial to be overturned.)
9:16 a.m. Appearing via zoom Dr. Avram Mack testifies this is the 3rd time that he is testifying as an expert offering an opinion on criminal responsibility.
9:13 a.m. Judge tells jurors that Dr. Mack will undergo cross and redirect. After rebuttal is completed Closings and instructions will follow.
9:10 a.m. Court is in session. Judge greets everyone including Lindsay Clancy, who responds with, “Good morning, your honor.”
9:05 a.m. Court will resume shortly with Commonwealth rebuttal witness.Deputies have let in media and public members into the courtroom. All available seats in the courtroom are filled.
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