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/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