PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — The jury in the Lindsay Clancy trial concluded its sixth day of deliberations without reaching a verdict on Thursday. The jury's foreperson informed the judge that one juror was not adhering to the court's instructions regarding reasonable doubt. The details of the conflict within the jury room were not disclosed, but it raised concerns about a potential holdout preventing a verdict on Clancy's criminal responsibility for the deaths of her three children.
The jury is scheduled to reconvene on Friday to continue deliberations. Prior to dismissing the jury, the judge denied a defense request to remove the juror in question after discussions among the parties. Clancy, a 36-year-old former nurse, admitted to strangling her children in 2023 before attempting suicide. Her defense argues that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors contend she was aware of her actions.
The trial has attracted significant public interest, with many attending the courtroom proceedings. It has also sparked discussions about maternal mental health issues. The jury has previously communicated to the judge that they were unable to agree on a verdict, but this is the first indication of possible discord among jurors.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington stated that the jury foreperson sent a note expressing concerns about a juror's refusal to follow legal instructions. Judge William Sullivan responded by questioning each juror privately and reiterated the instructions on reasonable doubt before allowing them to continue deliberating. Reddington expressed concern that the situation could lead to a mistrial due to the juror's noncompliance.
Prosecutor Jennifer Sprague supported the judge's approach, stating that no further action was needed. Judge Sullivan emphasized the sensitivity of removing a juror and maintained that he could not favor one side over the other.
For the first time during the trial, Clancy was present for a sidebar discussion with the judge. Clancy, who is paralyzed from the waist down following her suicide attempt, was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair.
The possibility of a hung jury has increased, as Judge Sullivan had previously advised jurors not to abandon their convictions solely to reach a verdict. If the jury cannot agree, the judge may declare a mistrial, leaving prosecutors to decide on future actions regarding Clancy's case.
If found criminally responsible, Clancy could face charges of murder or manslaughter. An acquittal would not prevent a judge from confining her to a mental health facility if deemed necessary. Throughout the trial, Clancy has received numerous letters of support, according to her defense attorney. Jurors have heard testimonies regarding Clancy's mental health leading up to the incidents, with conflicting expert opinions on her psychiatric state at the time of the killings. Patrick Clancy, her ex-husband, has publicly expressed forgiveness towards her, viewing her actions as a result of illness rather than malice.