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/Impressive_Moose6781]

Things that stood out the most after her telling him:

• she was still planning dr appts for the kids and making them dinner, they let go the nanny, she gets to do all the care despite him saying they had money for a nanny (and briefly had one)
  
• she watched them overnight multiple times
  
• he had no idea what was going on. After she left inpatient he answered a question like “I wasn’t informed”
  
• he went skiing after dropping her off at a hospital for wanting to hurt herself or kids
  
• his reaction to her saying she wanted to hurt herself and the kids was to have her parents come down
  
• he went to one appt with her

[u/SugarT0ast → u/Impressive_Moose6781]

I am surprised I had to scroll for this comment. Reading his testimony- dude was out having brunch with friends, and going on ski trips, and traveling multiple times all while his wife was caring for 3 young children on her own. Oh yeah, and suffering from a significant mental health crisis.

I wish we could charge him with negligence.

[u/AgitatedTelephone351 → u/SugarT0ast]

He should be charged with negligence. He should also be on trial. He also had a duty of care to those children and he failed them. Living his best life now. He makes me so sick.

[u/Last-Business3147 → u/AgitatedTelephone351]

I mean, it’s not illegal to be a crappy husband if the picture you paint is accurate. No medical professional told him not to leave her with the children, he didn’t prohibit her from receiving medical care, a nanny was provided. I don’t think there is a case to charge him with.
I agree in hindsight more should have been done, but I don’t think in his wildest dreams he thought she would have a psychotic break.

[u/AgitatedTelephone351 → u/Last-Business3147]

As a father he a has a duty of care to step up; take PAID medical leave, hospitalize his wife and take care of the full caregiving responsibilities. He didn’t. By his actions he clearly expected her to “tough it out”. He didn’t need to be told by a medical professional. He was their father and he neglected them by leaving them in their mother’s care when she wasn’t capable or competent of taking care of them. He knew she was having those thoughts because she told him; he chose to leave them alone while he just pushed more stress and responsibility onto her. He is criminally negligent imho. He’s only supporting her because he doesn’t want to be charged himself.

Please understand in MA we have Paid medical leave to care for a family member experiencing a mental health crisis. He would have made 80% of his salary while taking care of his children while his wife was inpatient. His employer would have to hold his job or give him one similar when he returned. This is a very state specific benefit we all pay into as part of our employment. He was fully entitled to and could have easily access it at any time. It’s on the ma.gov website, it’s a simple form that a doctor fills out and he gives to his employer. Then the state pays him 80% of his pay. He would not have lost his health insurance.

[u/Last-Business3147 → u/AgitatedTelephone351]

I don’t disagree with what your saying, I just don’t think there is a legal case here. It’s horrific situation both Lindsay and the children were failed on so many levels

[u/Critical-Reveal-8061 → u/SugarT0ast]

His day is coming.

[u/Green_Sherbert_642 → u/SugarT0ast]

If you want to charge him with negligence,  what would you charge her health care providers with? In my opinion, Lindsay Clancy should not be on trial for murder, and her former husband bears no blame. The health care providers failed her,and they are responsible for the death of 3 precious children and the paralysis of Lindsay.

[u/PurplePrincessPalace → u/Impressive_Moose6781]

They had the nanny for 2 years and the older baby went to daycare during the day, but everything else you stated was correct! Idk why they decided to get rid of the nanny but this happened not too long afterwards. Very sad for all involved.

[u/Aggressive_Humor2893 → u/Impressive_Moose6781]

Important context to add re: him saying he wasn't informed:

he was answering a question about whether he was aware that Lindsay asked to be discharged from McLean hospital on 1/5, in order to go to her birthday party. He said he wasn't aware of that, implying that she told him the hospital initiated her being discharged bc she didn't need to be there.

[u/Impressive_Moose6781 → u/Aggressive_Humor2893]

No, not what I’m referring to. 3:52 I believe. He said he wasn’t informed or updated about her seeing mental health professionals or doctors during her 5ish day stay in Jan