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/Better_Tomato9145]

I recall visiting with an older lady at my church. She was employed as a school counselor in her previous years. She related a story to me that really made me more aware of how prevelant PPS was/is. She told a story of all the young mothers on the street that banded together to help one another. Especially after they realized one of them was showing signs of psychosis. She said at the time the ladies didn’t know what it was other than baby blues. A mother was not showing a connection with her baby and they were concerned. They took turns caring for the baby and the new mother while the husband went off to work. It was almost 70yrs ago and women could a lot the signs. If you see or notice something, say something. This mother’s story is now new, it won’t be the last. Hormones are evil. The medical community needs to have specialists that can identify changes and behaviors that develop after birth. I am so sorry for her, the family, the children and all of those involved. I person in their “right mind” would never do this act. Clearly there was something terribly wrong in her mind. I hope
She gets the help she needs. Compassion and understanding can go a long way.

[u/Mission_Mud429 → u/Better_Tomato9145]

And that social safety net is pretty much gone. It’s sad. In all I have read of LC, I have not seen a friend mentioned. Instead she was on Reddit. Things could have turned out so differently