This is the Day 17 of the 6-to-8-week trial report of the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, accused of murdering her three children Dawson, Cora and Callan. Lindsay Clancy pleads not guilty by the reason of insanity.
Case Report
Factual background:
On January 24, 2023, 35-year-old former labor and delivery nurse Lindsay Clancy of Duxbury, Massachusetts, requested that her husband run errands to pick up dinner and medication. While he was away from the home, Clancy strangled their three children—5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan—in the basement using exercise bands before attempting suicide by jumping from a second-story window. Patrick Clancy returned home to find his wife severely injured in the yard and the children unresponsive in the basement; Cora and Dawson died that day, while Callan died three days later at Boston Children’s Hospital. Lindsay Clancy, who survived the fall but remains paralyzed from the waist down, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
Criminal complaint:
CHARGES:
1. 1st Degree Murder 3 counts
Victim(s): Cora (5 Years Old), Dawson (3 years old), Callan (8 Months)
Courthouse: Plymouth County Courthouse, Massachusetts
Officers of the court
Judge:
Attorneys
Prosecution:
ADA Shanan Buckingham
ADA Jennifer Sprague
Defence:
Kevin Reddington
Legend:
ADA = Assistant District Attorney
MA v. Lindsay Clancy – Day 17 Trial Summary
On Day 17 of proceedings (August 20, 2026) in Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Lindsay Clancy, the defense continued its case by calling Sheila Cavanaugh, a chaplain at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Cavanaugh testified about her interactions with Clancy at the hospital, where she observed a heavy law enforcement presence. During a visit, Clancy pulled her close, expressing relief that her children were safe; Cavanaugh responded by comforting her that the children were safe in heaven with God. According to Cavanaugh, Clancy disclosed hearing a male voice commanding that neither she nor her children would be safe. The chaplain emphasized that Clancy carries immense grief and talks extensively about her children. Cross-examination and recross-examination by the prosecution yielded no new facts, and on redirect, Cavanaugh affirmed that conversations between patients and chaplains are strictly confidential.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Sheila Cavanaugh – Chaplain at Brigham Women’s Hospital
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case: Hospital chaplain who visited and spoke with Lindsay Clancy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Summary Of Testimony
Cavanaugh testified that she met with Clancy in a hospital room surrounded by law enforcement. She recounted that Clancy grabbed her close, stating she was glad her children were safe, to which Cavanaugh replied they were safe in heaven with God. Cavanaugh testified that Clancy reported hearing a male voice commanding that neither she nor her children would be safe, and noted that Clancy talks extensively about her children and carries immense grief. On redirect examination, she confirmed that patient discussions with a chaplain are confidential, while cross and recross-examinations did not introduce any new facts.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: Lindsay Clancy Murder Trial — MA v. Lindsay Clancy — Day 17, Law & Crime Trials Youtube Channel, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/live/-upslgh8BYM?si=JWhuFPl3WZ4OrP27
