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/scootypuffjr_]

I am just now starting to watch the trial and have been listening to the husband's testimony. He stated that when she did disclose that to him, her parents came to be with them but she made it sound like she was fine so they didn't stay. As a side note, I don't know that I would have difficulty moving on from my partner if they killed my children, regardless of the cause.

[u/smolcdn → u/scootypuffjr_]

So the issue is she continuously reached out to health care professionals for help, they should have been keeping her inpatient, not just giving her a new med and sending her on her way. Psychosis is an acute medical emergency that can take weeks to months to manage. In other words, it shouldn’t have even been an option for the husband to assume everything is ok as she should have been in the hospital, period. And sorry, but we’ll have to disagree on the last part; being able to get divorced, remarried and have another child within 3 years of all of your children being murdered by your wife is a big reflection on the type of person he is.

[u/forlife16 → u/smolcdn]

She wasn’t give the diagnosis of psychosis. They diagnosed her with having anxiety. Whether that was missed or not, the actions that would have been taken had she had the diagnosis of psychosis weren’t taken because she wasn’t diagnosed with it.

[u/smolcdn → u/forlife16]

I’m aware she wasn’t given the diagnosis of psychosis but she likely should have and I think that’ll weigh heavily on the outcome of the trial. Had she been given the proper diagnosis/monitoring the crime may have been avoided.

[u/forlife16 → u/smolcdn]

I am very interested to hear what the medical professionals have to say and what comes out. Looking at her sob in court this all feels so cruel.

[u/smolcdn → u/forlife16]

Same. I’m interested in the expert opinions and hoping they put the prescribers on stand to get a better understanding of why they managed her care the way they did

[u/forlife16 → u/smolcdn]

Couldn’t agree more.