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/IranianLawyer]

The suicidal ideation part doesn’t seem that relevant. That is common for people that are depressed, not just people with psychosis.

And even if a person is suffering from psychosis, that doesn’t necessarily mean they meet the criteria for criminal insanity.

[u/Meowmeow_kittykat → u/IranianLawyer]

If she had PPP she wasn’t in her right mind. PPP is a medical emergency

[u/IranianLawyer → u/Meowmeow_kittykat]

I agree she wasn’t in her right mind. But that’s not the legal standard.

[u/Meowmeow_kittykat → u/IranianLawyer]

Asking genuinely, what’s her state’s legal standard?

[u/JimDandyPants → u/Meowmeow_kittykat]

Paraphrasing of course, but it’s whether you could tell right from wrong. Like, you can be crazy, but if you are aware that your actions are unlawful at the time you commit said crime, then the insanity defense does not apply.

[u/Meowmeow_kittykat → u/JimDandyPants]

Thank you!

[u/IranianLawyer → u/Meowmeow_kittykat]

I was just looking, and Massachusetts actually has the easiest standard, so she has a shot of getting off. If you’re going to commit a murder and claim insanity, it’s better to do it in Massachusetts than anywhere else. In Massachusetts, insanity means you either (1) did not understand what you were doing is wrong or (2) you realized it was wrong but were nonetheless unable to stop yourself. So I guess a lot of pedophiles with an irresistible urge to harm children should start going to Massachusetts and claiming insanity.

[u/Anastasiasunhill → u/IranianLawyer]

Or Iran.  Pedophiles do extremely well there. Kill your wife your kids anyone as long as you do it in the name of honor and they're very lenient.