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 sent home after expressing difficulty in agreeing on whether Clancy is criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children.
During deliberations, Clancy's defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, requested the removal of a juror after the foreperson indicated that the juror was not adhering to the judge's instructions regarding reasonable doubt. The judge declined this request and instructed the jurors to return on Friday morning.
If the jury cannot reach a consensus, the judge may declare a mistrial. The case has highlighted issues surrounding postpartum mental health care for mothers across the country.
Reddington spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, stating that he hopes to address the matter of the holdout juror before the judge questions them on Friday. He emphasized the importance of transparency in the proceedings.
"There will be an inquiry by the judge tomorrow at 9 o'clock," Reddington said. "There's a person who has doubt but will not listen to the judge's instructions."
The judge reminded the jury to avoid any external news coverage or discussions about the case. He expressed concern over the juror's ability to follow the law as instructed.
The jury has previously communicated to the judge that they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict, but this was the first indication of potential tension among jurors.
According to Reddington, the foreperson's note indicated that one juror was not following the judge's instructions regarding reasonable doubt. The judge stated that removing a juror from a deliberating jury is a sensitive matter and that he cannot favor one side over the other.
The public response to Clancy's case has been polarized, with some individuals advocating for her conviction while others express sympathy for her situation. Supporters have attended the trial, wearing colors to signify their stance.
Patrick Clancy, Lindsay's husband, testified during the trial, describing the events surrounding the deaths and expressing his forgiveness for his wife, whom he views as ill rather than evil.
As the jury continues to deliberate, the trial has drawn significant public interest, raising awareness about maternal mental health issues.
The courtroom was filled with spectators, and the trial has been livestreamed, contributing to the intense public engagement with the case.