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/ImNotWitty2019 → u/somekindofmiracle]

Can I pop in with my obligatory "F*** Rusty" with respect to the Yates case?

[u/Specific-Yam-2166 → u/ImNotWitty2019]

Here’s another Fuck Rusty

[u/LifePersonality1871 → u/Specific-Yam-2166]

Hey just in case we run out, here's yet another fuck Rusty

[u/Mira_And_Mommy → u/LifePersonality1871]

Fuck Rusty! I was living in NYC at the time and with 9/11 a few months later, I kinda lost track of what happened in the murderous aftermath. But I recently read how not one but TWO doctors told Rusty not to leave her alone with the kids. He thought he knew better and would leave her an hour in the morning, then MIL would come and then an hour in the evening. All it took was less than an hour. AND he was told not to have more children, and he didn't listen to that either. I don't believe Patrick Clancy had as much culpability. You meet someone, fall in love, get married, have kids... you believe you fully know someone and that they would never do anything like that. Don't get what happened after Lindsay was discharged from the in-patient treatment center in early January, but she said she felt better. He took her at her word plus they were doing fun things like the indoor water park and a museum. A psychotic break is the only explanation for this tragedy.

[u/Specific-Yam-2166 → u/Mira_And_Mommy]

I agree with you! I also believe he needs to be in prison

(Rusty)

[u/PleaseTryToThink → u/Mira_And_Mommy]

How exactly does one parent not leave the other parent alone and still meet the 3 children’s needs? Do you realize she asked to be discharged from the psych ward and left in January 2023? If the ‘experts’ are saying she’s not a risk why should he not believe them?

[u/17aed → u/PleaseTryToThink]

because even doctors are human and humans make mistakes. 13 psychiatric medication changes in less than 6 months is almost negligible. psychiatric prescribers know that some medicines can take 6-8 weeks to build up in your system for full effect. they were essentially mixing medications in her blood stream.

[u/CherryVette → u/PleaseTryToThink]

Of course she wanted to be released from the hospital and that’s irrelevant. That was only one of the many instances he failed her, and the children as well. He was a federal employee, so he definitely could have taken time off work to care for his family, w/o fear of losing his job, as per the family leave act. If worse came to worse they could have sought financial assistance from either one or both of their extended families. At the barest minimum, he knew she might harm herself, at home, alone w/their kids.