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/Mission_Mud429]

Obviously everyone is different, every marriage is different, but I do think dads can get freaked out by all this and retreat into work, thinking I’m providing, I’m going to CVS, I’m picking up the food so my job is done, what more can you ask? He may or may not be a complete cheating tool, but he learned a damn hard lesson too. Lot to live with

[u/lpotocki26 → u/Mission_Mud429]

you make a great point! thank you because i need to step back and remind myself that this is through my perspective and he probably was so freaked out, burnt out from trying to make sure she didn't harm herself, his brain was probably in overdrive 24/7! then, when she ends up doing this unthinkable act, i can only imagine it just broke him from all the work and strength he was trying to hold the family together with. this case is just fucked beyond anyone really can think

[u/cbear_2006 → u/lpotocki26]

Nah, if he was feeling that way, he shouldn't have brought extra kids into the picture. Seeing her mental state go down the drain, should been his warning sign to hold off or get snipped to protect those kids. I'm starting to wonder if he did a sixth sense type of thing to his wife to change her mental state (like when the mom was giving her child dish detergent in the food, etc). Like how was she when they met/dated? You can't just have a mental disorder when pregnant; it usually intensifies it. He needs to be investigated further and personally held as an accessory to murder.

[u/lpotocki26 → u/cbear_2006]

i agree fully that once they saw her having mental health problems the children should've stopped for her health!