PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — The jury in the Lindsay Clancy trial concluded its sixth day of deliberations without reaching a verdict on Thursday. The jury was deadlocked, and the defense attorney requested the removal of a juror who allegedly would not adhere to the judge's instructions regarding reasonable doubt. The judge declined the request and instructed the jurors to return for further deliberations on Friday morning.
If the jury cannot agree on whether Clancy is criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children, the judge may declare a mistrial. The case has highlighted issues surrounding postpartum mental health care for mothers across the country. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington expressed hope that the trial could be resolved after the judge questions the juror in question on Friday.
Reddington stated, "There will be an inquiry by the judge tomorrow at 9 o'clock. There's a person who has doubt but will not listen to the judge's instructions." He emphasized the importance of transparency in the proceedings, wishing for the debate regarding the juror's conduct to occur publicly rather than in private.
The judge reminded the jurors to avoid any news coverage or discussions about the case as they continued their deliberations. This was the first indication of potential tension among the jurors, as previous notes had only indicated an inability to reach a unanimous decision.
Reddington noted that the jury foreperson had communicated to the judge that one juror was not following the law regarding reasonable doubt. He expressed concern that a mistrial could result from this situation, stating, "If we come back here in a half-hour with a mistrial because of a juror that has just spurned the instructions of this court, it's a shame — it's a real shame."
Prosecutor Jennifer Sprague defended the judge's instructions, asserting that they were appropriate and that the jurors had previously affirmed their ability to follow them. The judge, William F. Sullivan, stated that it was not proper for him to favor one side over the other in deliberations.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with jurors displaying little emotion as they entered and exited. Reddington was seen conferring with Clancy and expressing his frustrations regarding the deliberation process.
The trial has drawn significant public interest, with supporters and critics of Clancy present in the courtroom. The case has sparked discussions about maternal mental health and the legal implications of Clancy's actions. Reddington indicated readiness for a potential retrial if the current jury remains deadlocked, stating, "I've got witnesses lined up. We're all set. So let's go."
The jury's deliberations will continue on Friday morning at 9 a.m.