Story perspectives

Attorney argues postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder negate criminal responsibility

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Plymouth Superior Court jury is hearing that nurse Lindsay Clancy (35) strangled her three children with bands on Jan. 24, 2023 and then attempted suicide, leaving herself paralyzed.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington contends Clancy was not criminally responsible because she suffered postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, a position supported by psychiatrist testimony.
If convicted, Clancy faces life without parole and, if found not responsible, will be committed to a mental-health facility.

History

Historical Context

Andrea Yates drowned her five children in June 2001; after a 2002 conviction, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed it in 2005 and a 2006 retrial found her not guilty by reason of insanity, highlighting postpartum psychosis in Texas law. Precedent now guides the 2023 Plymouth Superior Court trial of nurse Lindsay Clancy, whose defense argues same condition should bar a murder conviction.

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Story summary

A Plymouth Superior Court jury is hearing that nurse Lindsay Clancy (35) strangled her three children with bands on Jan. 24, 2023 and then attempted suicide, leaving herself paralyzed.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington contends Clancy was not criminally responsible because she suffered postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, a position supported by psychiatrist testimony.
If convicted, Clancy faces life without parole and, if found not responsible, will be committed to a mental-health facility.

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