LIVE UPDATES | Defense calls Lindsay Clancy’s mother and sister as witnesses on Day 14 of trial, after prosecution rests its case

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.

3:35 p.m. Court is in recess. Testimony will resume tomorrow at 9 a.m. EDT.

3:31 p.m. Sidebar over. Judge says nothing further to discuss today. Catch us tonight on “Courtroom Insider” at 9 p.m. MDT for a recap of everything that happened today in court. We livestream on the East Idaho News and Courtroom Insider YouTube channels.

3:12 p.m. Judge asks attorneys to meet with him at sidebar to talk about tomorrow.

3:10 p.m. Judge excuses jurors for today. He says he needs to talk with the attorneys about logistics for tomorrow. Jurors are told to report back to the courthouse at 9 a.m. EDT tomorrow.

3:05 p.m. Vulfovich says Clancy’s injuries are consistent with someone who went out of a second-story window and hit the ground. Reddington asks a question, withdraws it after a prosecution objection and is done questioning. Prosecution has no questions. Witness is excused. Judge asks attorney for sidebar.

3:02 p.m. Reddington asks about the wrist injuries. There were also multiple fractures in Clancy’s spine. Clancy was flown to Boston Hospital. Her injuries were severe enough that she needed immediate intervention at a larger facility, Vulfovich. She was then admitted to the surgical ICU at Brigham Women’s Hospital. Shortly after arriving, Clancy’s blood pressure and pulse became faint. She suffered cardiac arrest and a hemorrhage around the spine. She needed a “massive” blood transfusion.

2:59 p.m. Clancy had lacerations on both wrists and both sides of her neck. There were superficial lacerations – scrapes on the skin – and full-thickness lacerations that made it through the skin into fatty tissue. Vulfovich has treated multiple patients who have attempted suicide by cutting their throats. “They were consistent with self-injurious behavior. The intent I can’t gauge,” the doctor says.

2:57 p.m. Reddington asked Vulfovich to review Clancy’s medical records. When she went to South Shore Hospital, Clancy has a GCS of 10 – Glasgow Coma Scale. It is a standard 15-point tool used by medical staff to quickly assess and score a patient’s level of consciousness and brain function after a head injury, stroke, or trauma. Clancy’s body temperature was low and her blood pressure was below what is considered normal.

2:53 p.m. Next witness is on the stand. Judge reminds jurors about expert witnesses and explains the difference between lay witnesses and experts. Judge tells the jurors will decide the credibility of expert witnesses. Defense Witness #4: Michael Vulfovich, an ER doctor at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

2:47 p.m. Defense Re-cross: Introduces texts from Oct. 19 & 20 between Musgrove and Lindsay. Witness verifies that these are texts between her and the defendant. Reddington talks about text from Oct. 23, that he wants to introduce. Prosecution objects; sustained. Judge calls attorneys to sidebar.

2:43 p.m. Witness says she came and visited Lindsay the weekend of Jan. 20. Confirms she texted Lindsay about how it was good to see her improving during the visit. So, you saw improvement in her condition on Jan. 22? I told her that because I wanted to encourage her to continue trying to get better; I didn’t think saying anything else would help. After the children were killed, do you remember telling investigators that Lindsay seemed to be getting better? I don’t know what I said. I was in complete shock at that point. End of cross.

2:42 p.m. Prosecutor reads more check-in texts from Jan. 18 & 19, in which they talk about medications and Lindsay’s sleep schedule. Witness says she doesn’t remember specifics, but agrees the texts sound correct. Says she planned to come that weekend to stay with Lindsay again. Lindsay says she knows that the medicine takes weeks to work, but she can’t wait until she feels like herself again.

2:40 p.m. So, these were basically daily check-ins with Lindsay to see how she was doing? Yes. Witness recalls Lindsay expressing a desire to get off Seroquel. Prosecutor shares more examples of daily texts of mom checking in on Lindsay and her mental state.

2:35 p.m. Do you recall a text conversation with Lindsay on (date?) about changing medications? Do you remember her talking about the Kingsbury club and gymnastics keeping kids busy and Lindsay too. Prosecutor asks about more conversations. Musgrove again says she doesn’t remember specific texts, notes that she and Lindsay texted every day, multiple times a day, and can’t possibly remember them all — but affirms that if the text says the thing, then it’s right.

2:31 p.m. Do you remember getting text messages from Lindsay on Jan. 4 saying that she had made arrangements to leave the hospital early? Yes. Did you attend Cora’s birthday party on Jan. 7? No. It was a children’s party, so I stayed home with Callan. Did you go home on Jan. 7? If that’s what the text says. Do you remember Lindsay texting you about going to the science museum on Jan. 8? No, I don’t recall. The prosecutor provides documents to the witness to help her recall. Does that refresh your memory? If that’s what the text says, yes. Prosecutor asks another question about the Science museum texts, and witnesses says “I don’t really remember the science museum text messages, but if that’s what it says, then yes.

2:28 p.m. Text from Oct. 24, in which you say: “How are things today?” And she said “Good.”? I don’t recall, but if that’s what the text says, then yes. Prosecutor gives document to the witness to review and verify. Talked about a time when you went to her home and she ended up sleeping with you because she didn’t feel safe. When was that? I think in November. She said she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to sleep and afraid to be alone, but did not say why. Did you consider having her committed to a psychiatric facility? No. Did you consider calling 911 at that time? No.

2:25 p.m. Jury is brought back into the courtroom. Prosecution begins cross-examination of Paula Musgrove, Lindsay Clancy’s mom. When Lindsay made the statements about having thoughts of harming the children, did either you or Patrick ask what she meant by that? Patrick did. He asked if she felt like she shouldn’t be alone with the children, and she said no. Did you consider having her committed to a psychiatric facility? No.

2:16 p.m. Court is back in session. Judge calls attorneys to sidebar.

1:01 p.m. Judge says this is a good time to take afternoon/lunch break. Excuses jury. Says court will resume at about 2 p.m. EDT. Asks attorneys to sidebar.

12:59 p.m. Did Lindsay ever speak about how her medications were affecting her? Yes, she said she “couldn’t remember anything, the medication was pretty much just destroying her mind, and that it wasn’t her.” She said she just wanted to enjoy her kids again.
Do you recall a time when you were in the kitchen with Lindsay and Patrick, and Lindsay made a statement to you and Pat? Yes. (Reddington assures witness he knows this is difficult but encourages her to just recount what Lindsay said). Musgrove says Lindsay was acting very nervous and said, “I just have to tell you guys something.” And she told us she had thoughts of harming the children.”

12:55 p.m. Things did not get better during this time. Witness says one night Lindsay asked if she could sleep with her mother in late December, and did ultimately sleep with her. I was there most of December and left on Christmas Eve. Lindsay came to her parents’ house on Christmas Day with her family. Acted like she was “just going through the motions.” Did you know Lindsay went to check herself in for in-patient treatment? Yes, because I was there. I stayed with the family at the house while she was in the facility.

12:53 p.m. Reddington establishes that the text conversation happened on Oct. 20. Witness reads text; rough transcription: Mom, come up and stay with me for a bit. I am really sick. Something is wrong. I have horrible insomnia. I don’t know how I will get through and I don’t want to be alone. After this text, witness says she traveled to Massachusetts to be with Lindsay. Husband came afterward because he still had to work. (witness is retired.) The two stayed with Lindsay on and off between October and the end of December.

A copy of a text that Lindsay Clancy sent her mother, asking for help, is entered into evidence during Clancy’s trial, Monday at the Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Mass. | Greg Derr, The Patriot Ledger, Pool

12:49 p.m. How was Lindsay as a mother? She was a wonderful mother, a fun mother. I thought motherhood was the best thing that ever happened to her. Witness says she lived in Connecticut but visited family often. At what point did you notice a change in Lindsay’s happy, normal mood? Around September. At what point did you become aware of the mental health issues she was struggling with? In October, when she told me via text.

12:48 p.m. Defense Witness #3: Paula Musgrove, Lindsay’s mother. You’ve been here every day for the trial, Correct? Yes. Says Lindsay was a very good kid and a excellent student ask a kid. Never got in trouble with law. Tell jury how you felt about your grandchildren. Witness gets emotional in describing how much she loved them, and how a person can’t know what it’s like to love a grandchild until they have one.

12:46 p.m. Prosecution Cross: Did she tell you she asked to be discharged early to go to Cora’s birthday party? I don’t recall. Witness says all communications with Lindsay after that were via text messages; can’t recall any phone calls. You are a licensed social worker, correct? Yes. You are a mandated reporter, correct? Yes. Did you have enough concern about the safety of the kids or the safety of your sister to make a report? No. (No redirect)

12:40 p.m. Did you see Lindsay again in January? Yes, I visited for Cora’s birthday party. Lindsay seemed like she was going through the motions of celebrating the birthday but was not happy. You got a call informing you of the children’s deaths on “that horrible day”? Yes. Who called you? My parents. What did you do? I got packed a bag and jumped in my car and went to Massachusetts to be with Lindsay. Did you have to wait to talk to her? Yes.

12:38 p.m. Were you aware of Lindsay checking herself into a mental hospital at end of December/beginning of January? Yes. Talked with Lindsay about how hopeful she was to be coming off of Seroquel.

12:33 p.m. Defense calls Witness #2: Allison Ozaga, Lindsay Clancy’s sister. Hasn’t lived in the same state as Lindsay for several years, but has kept in close contact with her. Noticed Lindsay’s mental health lows during visit for Thanksgiving 2022. In the following communications, Lindsay spoke of how her symptoms were getting worse. Witness began communicating with Pat separately at this time, as well. Lindsay tells witness about “terrible reaction” to Zoloft. Mental health got really bad at the end of December, with comments about suicidal ideation from Lindsay.

12:28 p.m. Defense Re-Direct: Witness recalls the time when she told Lindsay about Andrea Yates case. Lindsay hadn’t heard of it. Says Lindsay cried and said, “How could a mother hurt her children?” after hearing the story. (Lindsay appears to be crying now at defense table, dabs eyes with tissue). No further questions.

12:26 p.m. Prosecution Cross: You’re familiar with mental health issues with pregnant women? Correct. You’re aware that Zoloft is considered safe for pregnant women? Correct. Did you interact with Lindsay outside of work? No. Can you verify her state of mind outside of work? No.

12:23 p.m. Defense Witness #1: Margaret Hamp, labor and delivery nurse at Mass. General. Worked with Lindsay Clancy for several years, until she went out on maternity leave after Callan was born. Mamm says Lindsay was kind, compassionate, caring nurse and was often emotional during/after births, saying “that was so beautiful.” Do you remember anything she said or did that let you know how she felt about her children? Lindsay asked a lot of parenting questions and child-care tips of her co-workers. Witness did not see Lindsay after birth of Callan, but did contact her and send a gift.Do you remember an occasion where you saw Lindsay react to a crying child? Yes. Lindsay was working overnight and saw Cora crying on the monitor at home. “Lindsay didn’t let Cora cry. She wasn’t at that point.” She called Pat to tell him to check on Cora. When he didn’t respond, she called the police to do a welfare check on her home.

12:16 p.m. The jury is invited back into the courtroom. Defense calls first witness.

12:15 p.m. Defense asks if Commonwealth is ready to do a voir dire of another witness. Commonwealth is not ready, says it needs to review records, asks if voir dire can be done tomorrow. The judge says we’ll wait and see if the needed info comes in this afternoon before making that decision.

12:13 p.m. Reddington: Would like to enter a motion stating that, due to the Commonwealth vs. Brunette-Silveira ruling from May 2026, I would argue that the defendant here (Clancy) should be declared not guilty. If not, Reddington asks the judge to reduce the charges in this case to second-degree murder. Prosecutor argues why motion should be denied. Motion is denied.

12:07 p.m. Court is back in session.

11:21 a.m. Judge excuses jurors to “take care of some matters with the defense.” The court takes a morning recess.

11:20 a.m. Prosecution enters several hospital records into evidence. Commonwealth rests its case.

11:19 a.m. Re-cross: Do you pull data straight from the watch? No. All data from the watch is available on the phone. If the watch is turned off in a drawer, the phone would be recording the steps traveled, etc., not the watch? Correct, that’s the assumption since the watch is off.

11:15 a.m. Reddington introduces health data from Jan. 25, 2023, 7-8 a.m., Lindsay’s device health data shows 134 distance traveled/steps counted/etc. Witness reviews and agrees that this is what is said. How does movement happen when Clancy is in a coma at this time? A: I would suspect the data is coming from the phone and not the watch. Reddington shows an Apple Watch that was found in a drawer in Clancy bedroom days after killings.

11:11 a.m. On Jan. 24 message from Patrick to Lindsay: Discussion about findings from Cora Clancy’s Dr. visit. Patrick says “you’re a good mama.” Thread continues to conversation about dinner pickup that night.

11:06 a.m. Reddington shows witness data from Lindsay’s Apple device that shows she was at a doctor’s office at a doctor’s office. Admits map of Clancy home as evidence. Reddington directs witness to a page of his own report. That shows Lindsay’s device data from Jan. 10, 2023, showing searches about trazodone. Points out other searches from Jan. 12 with questions about Welbutrin and ketamine. Reddington points to Dec. 22 note on the device, asks what was modified? Essentially grammatical, spelling errors corrected. Reddington points to pictures sent by Lindsay to “Mommy” and Patrick (on date?) of kids and a snowman, a box of Cheerios. Message from Patrick to Lindsay shows happy little boy with caption “got himself dressed.” Lindsay sent Patrick pic of girl with mask on.

10:55 a.m. Fair to say there can be inaccuracy to the Apple Health data? You did research on this, correct? Yes. Experiments you did show this? Yes. Heart rate is recorded by a watch, correct? Yes. Witness says extracted data can differentiate between which Apple device the data comes from. After 5:38 p.m., there’s no data recorded? Yes. Next activity happened Jan. 25 (by police) at 6 a.m.? A: I ended my data on Jan. 24. Health and movement data stopped being recorded at 5:38 p.m. You don’t know what was happening after that, correct? Right. So, the phone could have been put down? Battery could have died? And if the person didn’t have it with them, they could be doing any sort of movement that wouldn’t be recorded? Correct.

10:49 a.m. Court is back in session. Jury re-enters courtroom. Reddington prepares to cross-examine Ian Whiffin.

10:17 a.m. The judge tells the jury they will take a short break and return for the cross-examination of this witness. Court in recess.

10:16 a.m. Witness took all this data and combined it into one document that shows a timeline of iPhone’s usage on Jan. 24, 2023. The timeline shows that calls between Patrick and Lindsay occurred between the first flight climb’s end at 5:33 p.m. and the second flight climb’s end at 5:38 p.m. No further questions.

10:13 a.m. Metadata found on Lindsay’s phone shows 3 photos taken from South Shore. The data show that her phone was locked at 5:16 p.m. and not unlocked again. How were phone calls made around 5:30? Apple allows users to make a call to the number for a missed phone call from the Apple Watch. Data shows Safari app and messaging app were used shortly after 5 p.m. on Jan. 24.

10:06 a.m. Found an Apple note on Lindsay’s phone (created Dec. 22, modified Jan. 23). Can’t tell what was modified. Also found messages between Lindsay and her mother and Lindsay and Patrick on Jan. 24. Chart documents all data. Call from Patrick to Lindsay at 5:33 p.m. that went unanswered; very short call from Lindsay to Patrick at 5:34 p.m.; another call from Patrick to Lindsay at 6:09 p.m.

10:01 a.m. Jan. 12, there is a search for “how quickly does Wellbutrin treat depression?” Two more searches that evening for different drugs and how well they work for depression. Data from a few days later, user searches info on ketamine treatment. On Jan. 19, user searches for information on postpartum psychosis.

9:57 a.m. Data shows flight of stairs climbed between 5:33 p.m. and 5:38 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2023. Last flight climbed. Did not necessarily take 5 min to climb. Could have been 2 flights climbed w/o device recognizing it was two separate flights.

9:51 a.m. What is flight climb data on the app? It’s calculated by the device’s barometer, measuring the number of steps and the altitude climb. A flight is when the device rises 10 feet over 16 steps. Can anything make the app think the person is climbing a flight of stairs if they are not? Yes, if it detects steps in a car that is also driving uphill. Between 10:15 and 10:57, two flights climbed at a top heart rate of 108bpm. Table shown on screen shows two data points for roughly the same time, meaning one is from the phone and one is from the watch as both went up the flight. Ran a program to ignore one of the data points and narrow them down.

9:46 a.m. Extracted data from Lindsay’s iPhone’s Health app data. Apple Watch was paired with the device. Whiffin extracted heart rate data from the app — info checked by sensors and the watch and sent it to the phone via Bluetooth. Watch sends data more consistently if one is working out than regular, day-to-day movement. Data shows a range of a few seconds between entries — the highest was 123 bpm; the last was at 5:23 p.m. at 57 bpm. App would stop tracking data if watch was taken off or battery died.

9:39 a.m. Extracted over 1,000 phones and done the analysis on almost all of them. Says he has testified in cour over 20 times. Extracted all data from the device. Has developed some tools himself to examine and categorize data that comes out of phone, as well as tools that allow one to “dig into” the raw info from the phone. Asked to extract data from Lindsay Clancy’s iPhone 13. Main focus was Jan. 24, 2023, but also looked at info from early January of that year.

9:36 a.m. Commonwealth Witness #71: Ian Whiffin, Celebrite Digital Forensics. Details a veteran’s history in digital forensics. Explains that Celebrite is a program that extracts data from cellphones and helps investigators decipher it through various reports. Changes are constantly being made to improve software.

9:28 a.m. Jury is brought into courtroom. Court is in session. Judge William Sullivan greets jury and asks if they’ve upheld promsise to not seek information about the trial outside the courtroom; Anticipated that Commonwealth will close its case today. Then Reddington will have the opportunity to put on a defense for Clancy.

9:18 a.m. It appears attorneys are in the courtroom. We’re still waiting for today’s proceedings to begin.

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