This is the Day 21 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 21 Trial Summary
On Day 21 of proceedings (August 26, 2026) in Commonwealth v. Lindsay Clancy, the prosecution concluded its rebuttal presentation of evidence and officially rested its case following the testimony of forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gregory Saathoff. Continuing his direct examination, Dr. Saathoff testified that while Clancy suffered from a mental health defect—specifically Bipolar 2—she also experienced notable side effects from her prescribed medications. Under cross-examination, Dr. Saathoff made key concessions to the defense, confirming that postpartum depression can escalate into postpartum psychosis, sleep deprivation can trigger psychotic episodes, tests showed Clancy was not malingering, and the voices she reported were external auditory hallucinations. On redirect, Dr. Saathoff highlighted that the DSM-5 defines postpartum onset as occurring within the first four weeks post-delivery and noted that Clancy’s severe sleep issues improved while at McLean Hospital. Following brief recross-examination, the Commonwealth rested its case, bringing the evidence presentation phase of the trial to a close.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Dr. Gregory Saathoff – Forensic Psychiatrist
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case: Prosecution rebuttal expert forensic psychiatrist called to evaluate Clancy’s mental health history, reported hallucinations, and medical compliance.
Summary Of Testimony
Dr. Saathoff concluded his direct testimony by stating that Clancy suffered from a mental health defect, with Bipolar 2 being the most appropriate diagnosis, and acknowledged that she suffered side effects from her psychiatric medications. During cross-examination by defense attorney Kevin Reddington, Saathoff conceded several vital points, testifying that postpartum depression can turn into postpartum psychosis, sleep deprivation can induce psychosis, testing confirmed Clancy was not malingering, and the auditory hallucinations she described were external. On redirect examination, Saathoff pointed out that the DSM-5 places postpartum depression onset within the first four weeks after childbirth and noted that her sleep patterns improved during her stay at McLean Hospital. Following recross-examination that elicited no new facts, the witness was excused, and the prosecution rested.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: Lindsay Clancy Murder Trial — MA v. Lindsay Clancy — Day 21, Law & Crime Trials Youtube Channel, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/live/jzpAbi3lpS4?si=WWNeprppYg9vTmib
