Lindsay Clancy, a 36-year-old former labor and delivery nurse, is facing life in prison for the murder of her three children. However, her attorney's defense states that she was not criminally responsible due to postpartum psychosis, while the prosecution said she was fully aware of her actions.

This conflict has been the catalyst for the jury's indecision in Clancy's trial, resulting in two deadlocks since they began deliberations on Aug. 27.

The jury first became deadlocked on Tuesday, telling Judge William Sullivan that they were unable to reach a decision.

Per state law, Judge Sullivan instructed them to continue their deliberations until a decision is reached.

On Wednesday, the jury told Judge Sullivan they were unable to reach a verdict, again prompting him to tell the jurors to keep trying.

According to the Associated Press’ reporting, Clancy stared at the jury without expression as Judge Sullivan told the courtroom that jurors were at an impasse on their fifth day of deliberations.

The ongoing indecision gives credence to the possibility of a hung jury and the trial ending without a resolution.

The judge then sent them back out after giving them a standard, legally required instruction intended to prod them to keep discussing a possible verdict.

The jury will return again on Thursday to continue their deliberations after being dismissed by Judge Sullivan for the day.

What Led to Clancy's Trial?

Clancy began to experience postpartum anxiety following the birth of her children, Cora, 5, and Dawson, 3. She was able to manage the symptoms through home remedies, i.e., exercise, meditation, and therapy.

When Callen, Clancy's third child, was born, her mental health struggles worsened, and she claimed to experience hypomanic behavior, meaning heightened energy and mood, sleeping only approximately three hours per night, and exhaustion during the day. She also heard voices and experienced suicidal ideation.

Clancy sought help from mental health specialists, insisting that she be hospitalized in December 2022. According to an interview with ex-husband Patrick Clancy, Lindsay was only diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder; however, on January 1, 2023, she was admitted to an inpatient program at a top psychiatric institution, McLean Hospital, but was discharged after just five days.

Following her hospital stay, Lindsay was prescribed a variety of medications to curb her depression symptoms.

On January 24, 2023, prosecutors say Lindsay took her daughter to the pediatrician and played in the snow with her children before asking Patrick to pick up takeout for dinner and medication at a nearby pharmacy.

She was allegedly fully coherent, according to witnesses.

Prosecution said when Patrick returned home, he found Lindsay semi-conscious and bleeding outside, claiming she jumped out the window in a suicide attempt.

Inside the home, Patrick found the three children in the home’s basement with exercise bands around their necks. Cora and Dawson were pronounced dead at the hospital the same day, while Callan was placed on life support.

He passed three days later.

Lindsay, recovering in a Boston hospital, was charged with three counts each of murder, strangulation, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Testimony concluded on Aug. 26 after rebuttal witnesses, including forensic experts, testified that Clancy remained criminally responsible despite her mental health issues. Closing arguments wrapped up the following morning, after which the judge provided instructions on the law, including the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Clancy did not testify during the trial.

The jury began their deliberation shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 27. Shortly before dismissing the jury, Judge Sullivan commended the prosecution and defense for their efforts in this case.

“Unless you’ve tried a difficult murder like this one, you may not be aware how difficult and tough it is to try a case like this,” Sullivan said. “It’s emotionally taxing. It’s intellectually challenging. It’s physically exhausting.”

The verdict, if one is reached, will decide if she is held criminally responsible for the killings of her three children, or deemed mentally unfit to receive punishment.

If a decision is not made, Clancy’s case will be considered a mistrial, ending the trial immediately.