Judge rules holdout juror can remain in Lindsay Clancy trial

Judge William Sullivan has declined the defence’s request to remove a holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, a decision that has intensified tensions in the Plymouth courtroom. The ruling came after the jury forewoman reported that one juror was refusing to follow the court’s instructions regarding the standard of reasonable doubt.

The jury, comprising nine women and three men, has deliberated for approximately 35 hours without reaching a unanimous verdict. While the panel had previously sent two notes indicating a deadlock, Thursday marked the first visible sign of rancour in the deliberation room.

Defence lawyer Kevin Reddington formally requested the removal of the juror, arguing that the individual was refusing to accept the judge’s instructions on the law. Judge Sullivan questioned each juror individually before ruling that the holdout could remain, stating that it was not proper for him to side with one faction of the deliberations.

Prosecutor Jennifer Sprague supported the judge’s decision, noting that the instructions given were appropriate. She argued that it was impossible to determine who was correct in the deliberations and that the court should not attempt to do so.

Clancy, 36, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her children—Cora, five; Dawson, three; and Callan, eight months—at their Massachusetts home on 24 January 2023. The defence argues that Clancy suffered from postpartum psychosis, a condition that prevented her from distinguishing right from wrong.

If convicted, Clancy faces life in prison without parole. Alternatively, if found not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, she could be committed to a state psychiatric hospital. The jury is expected to continue deliberations, with the issue potentially being addressed again when court convenes on Friday.