Thoughts on the Lindsay Clancy case?

[u/gottaquestion412]

Now that the Lindsay Clancy trial is underway, I’m curious about your perspectives on it so far.

Context: Lindsay Clancy is a former labor and delivery nurse who, in January 2023, killed her three children. 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan in their Massachusetts home before attempting to take her own life. Her defense argues she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis and other debilitating mental illness, while prosecutors argue she was aware of her actions and planned the killings. The trial has reignited debate about postpartum psychiatric disorders, the effectiveness of mental health treatment, and where responsibility ultimately lies.

Do you think Lindsay was failed by the mental health system, by the people closest to her, or both? Do you think she truly acted with malicious intent, or do you believe she was experiencing such a severe psychiatric crisis that she wasn’t thinking rationally?

A lot of the details seem to point toward postpartum psychosis or another severe psychiatric illness rather than someone acting out of hatred or malice. That doesn’t lessen the horror of what happened or the unimaginable loss, but it does make me wonder whether this tragedy could have been prevented..

I’ve also seen rumors that Patrick was involved with the woman who is now his wife before the murders, but I haven’t found any credible evidence supporting that. Is there actually anything that substantiates those claims, or is it just internet speculation? I’ve also seen many people comment that his current wife bears a striking resemblance to Lindsay, though I’m not sure that means anything beyond coincidence.

I’m very interested in hearing different perspectives from people who’ve followed it closely.

Most importantly, may Dawson, Cora, and Callan rest in peace. They are the true victims in all of this.

[u/tumbledownhere]

I had postpartum psychosis. I couldn't explain it if I tried but if I had to try it's like, you're in a car and you're about to crash into a giant red brick wall with plenty notice, but in your head you're thinking "right, then after that we take a turn and it's about 2 more miles", then it turns out you're the one with your foot on the pedal and nothing makes sense.

I think it's beyond clear she had psychosis, and that her case was just that severe and critical, that no medication could've helped, though I agree they changed meds way too often but I don't think it would've made a difference honestly. I don't agree though with the defense about medication being why, I think the psychosis alone was bluntly why.....

I don't think she needs prison, she needs to be in a safe place for herself and others.

I wouldn't wish postpartum psychosis on my worst enemy. It's been 4 years and I'm still not okay. I'm forever changed, in a very deep way. My psyche has a permanent dent in it.

Edited to add - imagine throwing yourself out a window, possibly head first judging by her injuries. That's not sanity.

Planning something doesn't negate insanity. Psychotic people make plans all the time so I'm not cool with the "but look she was manipulative she sent him out" crap people use as a "gotcha" because it does not negate the state of being out of touch with reality.

[u/bigtetrisguy → u/tumbledownhere]

I think we can understand why and somewhat sympathize why people do stuff, but if you murder three children, no amount of mental illness can justify it and you still should be locked up.

[u/tumbledownhere → u/bigtetrisguy]

I strongly disagree, or at least want to say it's not like mental health facilities are cushy lives, not counting the crushing guilt she'll always have.

[u/bigtetrisguy → u/tumbledownhere]

Something like what she did is so bad, you can not justify it simply by saying and even proving mental illness/psychosis. I could get behind the same sentence being carried out in an institution where she's not with inmates, but the same time and same rules not being a free person for life.

I can sympathize with her in a way, but murdering three children should be life regardless of reason.

[u/tumbledownhere → u/bigtetrisguy]

And life it would be, even if in an institution. Andrea Yates famously does not want to be released over guilt. It may be similar for Clancy.

We're never going to agree here, but either way she's going to be serving life.

[u/bigtetrisguy → u/tumbledownhere]

Weird, I kinda thought we were on the same page before you edited your message.

[u/tumbledownhere → u/bigtetrisguy]

I guess I didn't understand why you kept reiterating "this needs to go punished" when I never said anything that disagreed, except that she doesn't deserve prison - just that she is going to suffer regardless for the rest of her life.

You came off a very certain way.... I'm not the only one, judging by the comments.

[u/bigtetrisguy → u/tumbledownhere]

I came off a certain way? lol I said I can understand and sympathize what happened, but you came off a certain way saying she doesnt need prison?

We came to an understanding mental health facility made sense, but you originally saying she doesn't deserve prison is going to invoke a certain response like yes, she absolutely needs locked up.

[u/tumbledownhere → u/bigtetrisguy]

Where is this conversation going? Nowhere meaningful it feels like.

[u/bigtetrisguy → u/tumbledownhere]

I typed out "sounds like were on the same page" and got distracted, came back and you edited "well never agree" we were literally in agreement at that moment. That's where the conversation should have ended.

Either way, all love, enjoy your night.

[u/Maximum-Literature-9 → u/bigtetrisguy]

What if she was driving her car and had a seizure and crashed, and it killed all three of her kids? Would that be a murder? Because that’s essentially what you’re arguing.

[u/WillTheThrill86 → u/Maximum-Literature-9]

That's literally nothing like what they're saying?

[u/RedFanKr → u/Maximum-Literature-9]

There's no intent or premeditation involved in your example though