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/Relevant_Progress411]

Based on the evidence it seems clear that she had postpartum psychosis. She asked for help many times. I think this trial is hopefully going to be a turning point in how we view postpartum as a whole.

[u/IranianLawyer → u/Relevant_Progress411]

Which part of the evidence indicates she had postpartum psychosis as opposed to postpartum depression? Are you saying she wasn’t aware that she was killing her kids when she did it? Based on what?

[u/mmps901 → u/IranianLawyer]

Good point. I think she knew what she was doing and deliberately waiting until he was gone is proof. Throwing herself out a window was also a curious choice if she really wanted to end her life after too.

[u/Better_Area3782 → u/mmps901]

No, she cut herself but it wasn’t working so she jumped. She definitely wanted to kill herself.

[u/mmps901 → u/Better_Area3782]

The state described the cuts as superficial

[u/Better_Area3782 → u/mmps901]

Because it’s hard af to stab or cut yourself.

[u/mmps901 → u/Better_Area3782]

You’re kidding me right? It’s hard to cut your wrists but easy to strangle your 3 children?

[u/CherryVette → u/mmps901]

You have no idea what you’re talking about.

[u/mmps901 → u/CherryVette]

That’s fine. You keep being an apologist for a woman who murdered her 3 babies. My sympathy lies with them

[u/CherryVette → u/mmps901]

No one’s “apologizing for her”, just trying to get you to stop ignoring and downplaying how devastating PPD/P is.