THE JUDGE IN the murder trial of US woman Lindsay Clancy has requested the jury continue their deliberations after they failed to come to a unanimous decision. 

Lindsay Clancy (36) is on trial for the murder of her three children in the basement of her Massachusetts family home in January 2023, while allegedly suffering from postpartum psychosis.

Her defence does not dispute that she fatally strangled 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan with exercise bands. However, her defence has argued that due to her mental health she cannot be found guilty of murder.

The prosecution has argued that Clancy deliberately and intentionally carried out the killings, as well as faking a suicide attempt.

The jury heard evidence from over 80 witnesses over the five-week trial before they began deliberating on Thursday.

Today, the fourth day of deliberations, the jury emerged and told Judge William Sullivan they could not reach a unanimous decision.

Quoting the jury’s question to him, the judge said: “After many hours of deliberation, we are unable to come to a unanimous decision.”

He continued, “I brought you back out because I know that this was a long trial. I know that there are over 80 witnesses, there are over 300 exhibits, but because of that, I’m going to ask you to go back out, keeping in mind all the instructions that I gave you, to go out and to continue your deliberations at this time.”

Sullivan asked them to return and continue deliberating.

Related Reads

Why are unsupported social media theories spreading about the Lindsay Clancy murder trial?

Lindsay Clancy's mother testifies in murder trial that she 'had thoughts of harming the children'

Massachusetts trial of woman accused of murdering her three children enters second week

In Massachusetts, jury verdicts must be unanimous, with all 12 jurors in agreement.

The jury of nine women and three men will continue their deliberations today.

The jury can find Clancy guilty of first-degree murder, which will result in her life imprisonment, second-degree murder, where parole is possible, or manslaughter, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years.

Alternatively, they can determine she is not criminally responsible for the killings due to her mental health. This would mean Clancy would be sent to a mental institution.  

If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out for support through the following helplines. These organisations also put people in touch with long-term supports:

•  Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
•  Text About It – text HELLO to 50808 (mental health issues)
• Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
•  Pieta House 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 – (suicide, self-harm)
• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)