The Lindsay Clancy murder trial resumed Thursday in Plymouth Superior Court for a full day of testimony. Clancy cried loudly in court as the first witness, a Massachusetts medical examiner, testified about performing an autopsy on her infant son.
Clancy has admitted to killing 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan at their Duxbury, Massachusetts home on Jan. 24, 2023.
Clancy, 35, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder. The defense argues she is not criminally responsible because she was overmedicated and experiencing extreme postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors are making the case that Clancy knew what she was doing when she killed her children, and they suggest she faked a suicide attempt after.
You can stream the trial on CBS News Boston or in the attached video player. You can also find it streaming on YouTube.
Clancy family pediatrician testifies
Dr. Lindsay Rosshirt, the Clancy family’s pediatrician since 2019, was the second prosecution witness called on Thursday. She testified that she did not see any signs of postpartum issues with Lindsay Clancy during the kids’ appointments.
Dr. Rosshirt saw Cora and Lindsay Clancy on the morning of the murders, as Cora had a physical exam scheduled.
“It was a very normal visit,” she said. “She seemed perfectly well-behaved and mom seemed appropriate as well.”
During cross-examination, Dr. Rosshirt said Clancy appeared to be a concerned mother and never complained about the children.
Lindsay Clancy cries as autopsy photos shown
Lindsay Clancy cried loudly in court as Dr. Kimberley Springer, a Massachusetts medical examiner, testified about Callan’s injuries from being strangled.
Autopsy photos were shown on small screens only visible to jurors in the courtroom, and Judge William Sullivan warned them that it could cause an emotional reaction. Some jurors cried while others looked distraught during the testimony.
The judge called for a break after the medical examiner’s testimony finished.
Lindsay Clancy trial
Clancy, who is partially paralyzed from jumping out her second-story bedroom window after killing the children, could be sentenced to life in prison without parole if convicted. If she’s found not criminally responsible, she would go to a state mental health facility in Massachusetts.
After the medical examiner testifies, defense attorney Kevin Reddington said some of Clancy’s friends and her former father-in-law are scheduled to testify. The prosecution is also expected to eventually call doctors who treated Clancy for her mental health struggles in the months leading up to the murders.
On Wednesday, the jury heard from a nanny who started working for the Clancy family in September 2022. Elaine Rossi testified that Lindsay Clancy was “a wonderful mom who loved her kids.”
Much of the week has featured scientific testimony about evidence in the case, including Lindsay Clancy’s prescription medications. Jurors also heard excerpts from Clancy’s diary read aloud in court.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
For more information about mental healthcare resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.
