The Record
The story so far
Over three weeks, about 70 prosecution witnesses built the case that Lindsay Clancy planned her children's deaths — the phone searches, the Apple Health data, the exercise bands. Then 10 defense witnesses told the opposite story: a mother 'begging for help' through months of failed treatment and 13 prescribed medications, until — two defense experts say — a psychotic break with a voice commanding her. The experts flatly contradict each other. That collision is what the jury has to resolve. — WBUR · Court TV · PBS NewsHour
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Before trial (7 entries)
District Court arraignment via Zoom from a Boston hospital; not guilty plea to three counts each of murder, strangulation, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. — Plymouth County DA
Plymouth County grand jury indicts on three counts each of murder and strangulation. — Plymouth County DA
Superior Court arraignment held at Tewksbury State Hospital; not guilty plea; held without bail at the facility. Forensic psychologist Dr. Karin Towers reported continuing depression and suicidal ideation. — Plymouth County DA · Boston.com
Judge Sullivan orders The New Yorker to disclose reporter Eren Orbey's interview materials from his Patrick Clancy profile; subpoena later quashed June 2, 2025 on jurisdictional grounds with leave to reissue in New York. As of Oct 2025, no materials produced. — U.S. Press Freedom Tracker · Boston Globe
Prosecutors move to drop strangulation counts as redundant; case proceeds on three counts of first-degree murder. — Boston.com
Jury selection begins; nearly 90 prospective jurors appear on day one. — NBC Boston
Jury seated: 18 jurors (12 women, 6 men; 12 deliberating + 6 alternates). Judge Sullivan rules autopsy photos and the father's 911 call audio impounded from public view. — Boston 25 News · WBUR
The trial, day by day
Day numbering follows the consecutive count used by Boston 25, NBC Boston, Boston Globe and Fox News (Day 1 = July 27). CBS Boston used a divergent count in at least one headline.
Resnick: 'altruistic filicide.' Defense rests; rebuttal begins with Mack
Dr. Phillip Resnick — who testified in the Andrea Yates case — concluded Clancy experienced postpartum psychosis with command hallucinations: 'a puppet and someone else was pulling the strings.' On cross, Sprague cited his own writing that command hallucinations 'are easy to fabricate.' The defense rested (10 witnesses) without calling Clancy. The Commonwealth opened rebuttal with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Avram Mack: major depressive disorder, not psychosis — she 'methodically killed her children one by one' knowing it was wrong. Three rebuttal experts expected in total. — Court TV · Boston Globe · WBUR · ABC7 · Fox News
Who testified — 2 witnesses
- Dr. Phillip Resnick — Forensic psychiatrist (defense, via Zoom)
Evaluated Clancy 4 months after the deaths; postpartum psychosis, command hallucinations, 'altruistic filicide'; cross: his own work says such hallucinations are easy to fabricate. - Dr. Avram Mack — Forensic psychiatrist (prosecution rebuttal)
Two April 2026 interviews; major depressive disorder, not psychosis; testified she said 'Go to God' during the killings and could have stopped.
The chaplain and the voice; pink-clad supporters outside
Chaplain Sheila Cavanaugh testified Clancy's first words after her breathing tube was removed were 'I am so glad my children are safe,' and that Clancy described a persistent male voice threatening her and the children's safety. On cross, ADA Sprague noted the chaplain's notes never once recorded the voice. Outside, hundreds of pink-clad supporters gathered; Judge Sullivan questioned jurors individually to confirm impartiality. (Outlets differ on her visit count: Globe/WBUR reported 200+; Boston 25 reported at least 14.) — Boston Globe · Boston 25 News · WBUR
Who testified — 1 witness
- Sheila Cavanaugh — Chaplain, Brigham and Women's (defense)
First words after extubation; the reported voice; cross: no note of it in her records.
Zeizel: she could not tell right from wrong; TikTok witness excluded
Dr. Zeizel concluded Clancy 'was unable to conform her behavior to the rule of law' and experienced derealization and psychosis in late 2022; she has not heard voices since 2023. Proposed witness Emily Thorndike (a former McLean social worker who posted a TikTok disputing the prosecution's characterization of McLean) was ruled inadmissible for 'limited materiality.' Jury sent home early over an undisclosed 'unforeseen circumstance.' — ABC7 · NBC Boston · PBS NewsHour
Who testified — 2 witnesses
- Dr. Paul Zeizel — Clinical/forensic psychologist (defense)
~60 meetings over three years; 'Intrusive thoughts are unrelenting'; opined she could not determine right from wrong on Jan 24, 2023. - Emily Thorndike — Proposed defense witness (excluded)
Questioned outside the jury; ruled inadmissible — 'limited materiality.'
'She was begging for help'; the psychologist and the voice
Former mother-in-law Sue Clancy (a 38-year L&D nurse practitioner) said Lindsay 'was begging for help' in November 2022. Psychiatrist Dr. Donald Condie called the records 'somewhat sparse' and described postpartum psychosis symptoms. Forensic pathologist Dr. Elizabeth Laposata described a 'freefall dive headfirst.' Dr. Paul Zeizel, who had seen Clancy 45+ times, said she reported hearing 'a male voice ordering her' that she 'had no choice but to kill her children. And kill herself.' — Boston 25 News
Who testified — 4 witnesses
- Sue Clancy — Former mother-in-law; NP, South Shore L&D
'Begging for help' Nov 2022; referred her to the postpartum program; 'very nurturing, very loving, wonderful mother.' - Dr. Donald Condie — Psychiatrist, Cambridge Health Alliance (defense)
Records 'somewhat sparse'; Zoloft increase left her 'numb, not herself'; described postpartum psychosis symptoms. - Dr. Elizabeth Laposata — Forensic pathologist (defense, via Zoom)
'Freefall dive headfirst' causing spinal compression/paralysis; Callan's bruising attributed to medical equipment. - Dr. Paul Zeizel — Psychologist (defense)
45 visits since the incident; she reported a male voice ordering the killings.
Prosecution rests after ~70 witnesses; defense begins
Cellebrite expert Ian Whiffin closed the Commonwealth's case with iPhone data from Jan 24, 2023: stair climbs at 5:33 and 5:38 p.m., a final heart-rate reading at 5:23 p.m., and searches including 'ketamine for suicide ideation' (Jan 18) and 'symptoms of postpartum psychosis' (Jan 19). The Commonwealth rested Monday morning. The defense opened with character and family witnesses: nurse colleague Margaret Hamp, sister Allison Ozga, and mother Paula Musgrove — who read an October 2022 text, 'Mom will you please come up and stay with me…Something is wrong,' and said Lindsay disclosed 'thoughts of harming the children' in late December. — Boston 25 News · NBC Boston · WBUR · CBS News
Who testified — 5 witnesses
- Ian Whiffin — Cellebrite digital forensics (prosecution)
Apple Health data; stair climbs 5:33/5:38 p.m.; searches re: ketamine and postpartum psychosis; data stops at 5:38 p.m. per cross. - Margaret Hamp — L&D nurse, MGH (defense)
'The kind of nurse you want taking care of you'; once called police for a wellness check over a baby-cam concern. - Allison Ozga — Sister (defense)
Decline from Thanksgiving to Christmas 2022; suicidal thoughts at Christmastime after McLean discharge. - Paula Musgrove — Mother (defense)
'Things changed in October'; the 'Something is wrong' text; late-Dec disclosure of thoughts of harming the children; cross: she didn't consider commitment or separation. Also: 'The medication was pretty much just destroying her mind.' - Michael Vulfovich — ER physician (defense expert)
Reviewed Clancy's Jan 24 injuries.
Digital forensics: the searches and the October note
State Police digital forensics presented: an Aug 23, 2022 laptop visit to a suicide-methods page; a Jan 20, 2023 phone search 'Can you treat a sociopath'; an Oct 25, 2022 note beginning 'I'm sad and depressed. I can't parent my 3rd child like my first'; and Jan 23–24 texts and calls. No court Friday Aug 14. — Boston 25 News
Who testified — 3 witnesses
- Sgt. Kyle Pavao — Mass. State Police digital forensics
Laptop history: suicide-methods page visit Aug 23, 2022. - Timothy Chiappini — Mass. State Police digital forensics
Phone extraction: 'Can you treat a sociopath' search (Jan 20, 2023); Oct 25, 2022 note; Jan 23–24 messages. - Joshua McKelligan — Mass. State Police case officer
Described the bedroom scene and stains on ledge/shingles; Museum of Science surveillance video.
Counselor's notes; medical examiners on the autopsies
Counselor Latiesha Dukes saw Clancy four times in December 2022 — first visit noted 'frequent suicide ideation,' final visit showed improvement; referred to higher-level care. Medical examiners testified on autopsy findings for all three children. — Boston 25 News
Who testified — 5 witnesses
- Sgt. Daniel Lawlor — Mass. State Police
Evidence officer; hospital observation. - Latiesha Dukes — Mental health counselor, South Shore perinatal clinic
Dec 2: depression symptoms, frequent suicidal ideation → postpartum anxiety diagnosis; Dec 9: improved; referred to Women and Infants. - Nicole Bradley — Plymouth County Sheriff field services
Hospital watch duty. - Dr. Renee Stonebridge — Medical examiner
Autopsy findings for all three children. - Dr. Barbara Olson — Medical examiner
External examination of Cora.
Psychiatric nurse: suicidal thoughts documented, 'never thoughts of harming her children'
Nurse Rebecca Jollotta testified Clancy had persistent, intrusive suicidal thoughts but — documented repeatedly — never thoughts of harming her children. She suspected possible bipolar disorder; prescribed Seroquel, Valium, Lamictal; expressed reluctance when Clancy asked to taper Seroquel but sent the prescription. Final clinic contact: Patrick's Dec 30 call seeking a McLean bed. — Boston 25 News
Who testified — 1 witness
- Rebecca Jollotta — Psychiatric nurse, South Shore Health perinatal program
Persistent suicidal ideation; 'never had thoughts on harming her children'; suspected bipolar; taper reluctance; cross noted records she never received.
Tufts: 'no signs of psychosis' the day before the killings
Dr. Jennifer Tufts, who treated Clancy across 14 telehealth visits through Jan 23, 2023, said she found no signs of psychosis or mania at the final appointment and that Clancy denied suicidal or homicidal ideation. The defense pressed her limited experience and that she never obtained other providers' records. Nurse practitioner Julie Paul described the November 2022 intake: ideation denied; sleep the main concern. — CBS Boston · Boston Globe · CBS News
Who testified — 2 witnesses
- Dr. Jennifer Tufts — Psychiatrist, Aster Mental Health
'No signs of psychosis or mania' Jan 23; Clancy denied suicidal/homicidal ideation but felt 'close to feeling suicidal'; ~10 medications tried; cross highlighted her limited postpartum caseload and missing records. - Julie Paul — Psychiatric NP; ex-director, perinatal behavioral health, South Shore Health
Nov 22, 2022 screening: ideation denied, no hallucinations/delusions; sleep the main concern; prescribed Prozac 10mg; transferred care Nov 30.
Treating psychiatrists; heated exchange over a hot mic
Psychiatrists who treated Clancy in the months before the deaths testified, including Dr. Jennifer Tufts. The day included a heated exchange referencing a hot mic, with the defense raising accusations against prosecutors. — NBC Boston
Who testified — 1 witness
- Dr. Jennifer Tufts — Psychiatrist, Aster Mental Health
Testimony began; continued Day 10.
Medical examiner; pediatrician; family and friends
The medical examiner who performed the autopsies testified (Callan's cause of death: complications of mechanical asphyxia). The children's pediatrician saw Cora the morning of the deaths in a routine visit and 'never saw signs of postpartum issues' in Lindsay. The former father-in-law described 'an all-American family' and Lindsay's 'blank stare' at Thanksgiving. — Boston 25 News · NBC Boston
Who testified — 9 witnesses
- Dr. Kimberly Springer — State medical examiner
Performed the autopsies; Callan's cause of death 'complications of mechanical asphyxia.' - Dr. Lindsay Rosshirt — Pediatrician
Children healthy; examined Cora that morning; saw no postpartum signs in Lindsay. - Christopher Clancy — Former father-in-law
Devoted mother; 'blank stare' at Thanksgiving; his overnight offer declined; Patrick very concerned for his wife. - Susan Fraone — Preschool teacher
Dawson had difficult drop-offs starting Oct 2022. - Susan Bertolo — Preschool teacher
Testified about the day before the deaths. - Bethany DeCollibus — Family therapist; friend
Knew of insomnia; never heard suicidal ideation. - Andrea Hennigan — RN, MGH labor & delivery
Texted with Lindsay the day before about medication adjustments. - Kyle Carney — Friend of Patrick Clancy
Testified about a Jan 22, 2023 social gathering. - Det. Sgt. Andrew Chiachio — Mass. State Police
Recovered surveillance footage, DNA samples, search-warrant evidence.
Toxicology detail, DNA on the exercise bands, the former nanny
Analysts detailed benzodiazepines in Clancy's system at largely therapeutic levels; DNA from the exercise bands included Dawson, Callan and Patrick Clancy. The former nanny called Clancy 'a wonderful mom who loved her kids' who had shared she was suffering postpartum issues. — Boston Globe
Who testified — 5 witnesses
- Eitan Negri — Physician assistant, Brigham and Women's
Repaired wrist lacerations Jan 25, 2023; neck cuts 'superficial.' - Nicholas Roberts — State Police crime lab analyst
Detected 'at least four or five' benzodiazepines; no alcohol. - Dr. Justin Brower — Forensic toxicologist
One drug 'a little elevated'; the rest therapeutic; not at suicidal levels. - Katarina Stashyn — Forensic scientist (ex-State Police DNA)
Mixed DNA profiles on exercise bands; Lindsay's DNA on shingles outside the home. - Elaine Rossi — Former nanny (Sept–Dec 2022)
'A wonderful mom'; Clancy shared postpartum struggles and sleep difficulties; no concerns about the children's safety.
Toxicology: drugs in Clancy's system, none in the children
A surgeon described Clancy's spinal injuries from the fall. State Police testified to finding prescription bottles; eight crime-lab witnesses covered toxicology — prescription drugs detected in Clancy's blood and urine, nothing in the children. The parties stipulated the children's toxicology testing was done correctly. (Date per CBS 'Day 6' label; CBS's own dating was internally inconsistent.) — CBS Boston
Who testified — 2 witnesses
- Dr. Cristina Karpio — General surgeon, South Shore Hospital
Described complex spinal injuries from the second-story fall. - Lt. Joseph Rabbit — Mass. State Police
Found four prescription bottles in a kitchen cabinet during the search.
Treating psychiatrist; journal entries read aloud
A psychiatrist who treated Clancy testified along with doctors, nurses and police from the immediate response. Excerpts from Clancy's journal, chronicling desperation and 'brain fog,' were read in court. — NBC Boston
Jury views the Duxbury home; ER physicians testify
Jurors inspected the home's exterior, basement and both floors, and were driven past ThreeV and the Kingston CVS. ER physicians described treating Dawson and Callan. — CBS Boston · Boston 25 News
Who testified — 5 witnesses
- Dr. Mark Tenerowicz — ER physician, BID Plymouth
Treated Dawson, who arrived without pulse; declared him dead at 7:28 p.m. - Dr. Benjamin Kaufman — ER physician, BID Plymouth
Restored Callan's heartbeat but 'at no time did he have any brain function'; transferred to Boston Children's. - Marcanthony Maffeo — Duxbury police
Accompanied the sedated Clancy by medical flight to Brigham and Women's. - Richard Lippard — Duxbury police officer
Described Clancy 'sedated, not speaking.' - Melissa Arcadipane — Lab tech supervisor, South Shore Hospital
Processed blood/urine samples for State Police.
First responders describe the scene
Duxbury police and fire personnel described the response: Clancy found injured outside; CPR performed; children transported. — CBS Boston
Who testified — 10 witnesses
- Stephen Hall — Duxbury police officer
Found Lindsay injured outside; heard Patrick screaming from the basement. - Brian Josephine — Duxbury police officer
Arrived during the initial response. - PJ Hussey — Duxbury fire captain/paramedic
'It turned very chaotic very quickly.' - Loring 'Chuck' Nudd — Duxbury firefighter/EMT
Performed CPR; transported Dawson to Plymouth hospital. - Keith Nette — Duxbury fire captain
Assisted with chest compressions. - Patrick Dwyer — Duxbury firefighter/paramedic
Part of the response. - Jennifer Stratton — Paramedic
Carried Callan to an ambulance. - Robert Costanzo — Pembroke FD paramedic
Treated Lindsay; administered Narcan; she remained unresponsive. - Daniel Dougherty — Witness
Final witnesses of the day. - Vincent Cahill — Witness
Final witnesses of the day.
Patrick Clancy describes the night; jury hears the 911 call
Patrick Clancy testified to discovering the children in the basement and finding Lindsay injured outside; the jury heard his ~6-minute 911 call. A CVS manager and a restaurant hostess each described normal interactions with Lindsay that evening. — CBS Boston
Who testified — 3 witnesses
- Patrick Clancy — Ex-husband
Described finding the children with exercise bands around their necks and Lindsay outside with cut wrists; recalled her saying 'I tried to kill myself'; the jury heard his 911 call. - Angela Krause — General manager, CVS Kingston
Lindsay's medication call was 'a very normal interaction.' - Sweeney Schelgren — Hostess, ThreeV restaurant
Took the takeout order; no signs of impairment.
Opening statements; Patrick Clancy is the first witness
Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham argued Clancy planned the killings, describing searches for takeout and the route between home, a restaurant and CVS, and saying she strangled the children with exercise bands in the basement. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington said Clancy 'is aware that she killed her children and is not trying to deny that' but was suffering postpartum psychosis and was over-prescribed — '13 different psychiatric medications.' — Court TV · NBC Boston · WBUR
Who testified — 1 witness
- Patrick Clancy — Children's father; then-husband
Called as the prosecution's first witness.