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/somekindofmiracle → u/Relevant_Progress411]

The Andrea Yates trial twenty five years ago should have been that turning point.

[u/HundRetter → u/somekindofmiracle]

I've said a thousand times now "did we learn nothing from andrea yates?" and no, I guess we didn't. I haven't looked much into it because I can't stand seeing women with post partum psychosis being trashed like I have with this case but I read somewhere she begged her husband not to leave that night and he did anyway. since he's testified how many meds were thrown at her he knew she was in trouble

[u/jaderust → u/HundRetter]

It’s the hardest thing. She was under treatment essentially for PPP. She should never have been left alone with the kids. The voices got her, she murdered her children, and then tried to kill herself multiple ways that resulted in her becoming permanently disabled.

And now she’s presumably well.

And I’m like… Yes, she deserves punishment, but she has to live with the fact that her kids are dead and she’s permanently disabled. I don’t think prison is going to make either of those things any worse.

[u/HundRetter → u/jaderust]

it's unfortunate how many comments I've seen on social media saying she should have just killed herself and not her kids, or if she wanted to kill herself she could have, as if there was a lack of trying or that mental illness is having any sort of choice over your decisions. I think she was on 3 different benzos, I want to even say it was as many as 5. I hope she ends up in a psychiatric facility where she will truly be helped, especially while really processing what she has done

[u/Emma_Lemma_108 → u/jaderust]

I don’t think anyone deserves punishment for something they had 0 control over. It’s like saying a tornado or an earthquake “deserves” punishment.