Lindsay Clancy appears in court for first in-person hearing since allegedly killing her children
Duxbury mother lindsay clancy made her first in-person court appearance Friday, a procedural step that moved pretrial planning forward ahead of a July 20 murder trial. The brief hearing focused on logistics: pending motions, the status of discovery, and an upcoming evaluation by prosecution experts.
Lindsay Clancy’s first in-person hearing
Clancy, who has appeared remotely at earlier proceedings, sat stoically in court dressed in black and using a wheelchair. She addressed the judge only once with a murmured "good afternoon" and was otherwise unexpressive, largely staring straight ahead during the short session.
Court discussion centered on trial logistics
Attorneys on both sides used the hearing to hash out practical matters tied to the July 20 trial date. They discussed pending motions and the status of discovery materials, and noted that prosecution experts will conduct an evaluation of the defendant. The hearing was brief and did not resolve evidentiary disputes that remain before trial.
Charges and the alleged events
Clancy, 35, is charged with three counts each of murder and strangulation in the deaths of her three children: a 5-year-old named Cora, a 3-year-old named Dawson, and an 8-month-old named Callan. Prosecutors allege the children were strangled at the family home in Duxbury on January 24, 2023, and that Clancy then attempted to take her own life, an attempt that left her paralyzed.
Mental-health claims and a recent civil complaint
Clancy’s defense contends she was heavily medicated and battling postpartum mental illness after the birth of her third child. A civil complaint filed last month alleges that her mental health care providers failed to diagnose bipolar disorder and prescribed a revolving series of medications that triggered a psychotic break. The complaint alleges that Clancy experienced auditory hallucinations for weeks before the incident and quotes a commanding voice instructing her: "This is your last chance. Kill the children so you can kill yourself. THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE. YOU HAVE TO KILL THE KIDS SO YOU CAN KILL YOURSELF. " It further alleges that, in a dissociative, dream-like state, she strangled the children while saying, "Go to God, baby. "
Defense strategy and what comes next
Clancy remains committed at a state-run hospital and has been represented by counsel who indicated an insanity defense is planned. Defense counsel filed a motion requesting a bifurcated trial that would split the July proceedings into two phases: the first to determine guilt and the second to determine mental state at the time of the killings. The judge is scheduled to take up that request on March 2. If the bifurcated approach is approved, the July calendar could be divided into the separate stages outlined in the motion.
Family statement outside the courthouse
After the hearing, Clancy’s parents joined her attorney outside the courthouse. Her mother said, "She’s a loving mother. She always has been. " Her father added, "We love our daughter very much, and we’re here just to support her any way we possibly can. That’s it. "
Key takeaways: the in-person appearance advanced pretrial scheduling for the July 20 trial; the defense seeks a bifurcated process with a March 2 court ruling pending; and a civil complaint filed last month alleges failures in Clancy’s mental-health care leading up to the alleged killings.
