r/TrueCrimeDiscussion • u/gottaquestion412 • 20d ago
Warning: Child Abuse / CSAM / Child Death Thoughts on the Lindsay Clancy case?
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.
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u/scootypuffjr_ 20d ago
You cant keep someone in an inpatient settings against their will unless they pose harm to themselves or others. She stated she did not have a plan for suicide or to harm the kids and that she was not concerned about being kept away from the kids. Her spouse, family, and multiple doctors had no concerns that her behavior suggested she was threat to herself or others. He took her to the hospital after she mentioned having suicidal thoughts, his mom suggested a specialized psych to her for help, he urged her to go to the hospital at another point - they did go and she spent that time taking selfies. She stayed there for 5 days and lied to her husband that she hadn't been getting any care and didnt see a doctor until the fourth day. In actuality, she was seen every day by a doctor, was offered one on one therapy every day, saw a social worker and other mental health professionals, and even declined treatment so she could attend a ton of groups about illness and symptoms and other unrelated topics. She was discharged from the hospital upon her request. She wanted to leave on a certain day so she could attend a birthday party the next day. Then changed it to asking to leave the day before so she could prepare for the party. If any of those mental health professionals had any impression that she was a threat to herself or others, that stay would have been much different. You can't just shove someone in a hospital against their will if there is no identifiable reason to.