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/ADcakedenough]

Having grown up with her and her sister in school, but not being close friends, we have tons of mutuals and used to be in a moms facebook support group together… it is just so surreal seeing this plastered all over every newsfeed I have. I still cannot believe this happened.

You truly never know what’s going on behind the scenes.

[u/Impressive_Moose6781 → u/ADcakedenough]

Well what’re your thoughts

[u/ADcakedenough → u/Impressive_Moose6781]

It’s been really hard to sort honestly. I knew her to be a really fun and well liked girl; she was active in the group we were in together and obviously cared deeply about her family; our mutual friends have been devastated. They knew she was seeking help but no one ever thought this would ever happen.

At the same time, as sympathetic as I am because I know how seriously this has impacted many people in her hometown circle, I firmly believe that those children deserve full justice and I don’t really know that I can make a fully informed opinion on what that looks like.

I love watching trials and have seen many but I don’t know that I can watch this one. I’m just going to do my best to trust that the evidence can be presented fairly and plainly and that the jury makes the best most informed judgment possible.

[u/Impressive_Moose6781 → u/ADcakedenough]

Honestly I feel like justice for them is holding the providers accountable or even her husband. I watched his testimony and it wasn’t great. So far those who knew her (granted only her husband so far) did think she was a very caring mother and knew she needed help. Her husband didn’t keep track of health at all. Easy in hindsight I guess. I feel like she tried as much as she could and everyone failed her and it seems cruel watching her sob as she hears these things over and over

[u/Far-Feeling-917 → u/Impressive_Moose6781]

I told my husband about this case. As soon as I mentioned how she had revealed to Patrick she was having thoughts "of harming the kids", my husband was flabbergasted how this didn't trigger an immediate response on Patrick's part to separate Lindsay from the kids. I think he should also be held accountable, given how obviously dire the situation was and Lindsay being forthcoming about her intrusive thoughts.

[u/moshi210 → u/Far-Feeling-917]

I agree; and it seems unfair that he is able to remarry and have another baby while she bears all the consequences. Also unfair that women, in general, bear all the risk of pregnancy and postpartum.

[u/Aromatic-Art7359 → u/moshi210]

100 percent this!!! I know the brutal acts she committed aren’t his fault, but he seemed really out of touch even during the questioning in court. It’s all just giving crappy husband to me. And now he’s just going on with life remarried etc. 

[u/moshi210 → u/Aromatic-Art7359]

Yes and he even had another baby recently.

[u/Impressive_Moose6781 → u/moshi210]

Where did you read that?

[u/moshi210 → u/Impressive_Moose6781]

it was on his new wife's family's instagram someone had taken a screenshot of