Story perspectives

Psychiatrist Rejects Postpartum Psychosis Defense in Clancy Trial

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lindsay Clancy, 35, is on trial in Duxbury for first-degree murder after she allegedly strangled her three children on Jan. 24, 2023.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington says Clancy suffered postpartum psychosis and was overmedicated, citing nurse practitioners Julie Paul and Rebecca Jollotta.
Psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts testified Clancy showed no hallucinations or intent to harm and was diagnosed with anxiety and adjustment disorders, not psychosis.

History

Historical Context

After Andrea Yates drowned her five children on June 20 2001 in Houston, her 2002 conviction and 2006 not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity verdict sparked national debate over postpartum psychosis defenses. Texas health officials highlighted the case’s rarity, and the 2023 Lindsay Clancy trial in Massachusetts now revisits similar expert testimony, pressuring courts to refine insanity standards across U.S. jurisdictions.

1 of 2

Story summary

Lindsay Clancy, 35, is on trial in Duxbury for first-degree murder after she allegedly strangled her three children on Jan. 24, 2023.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington says Clancy suffered postpartum psychosis and was overmedicated, citing nurse practitioners Julie Paul and Rebecca Jollotta.
Psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts testified Clancy showed no hallucinations or intent to harm and was diagnosed with anxiety and adjustment disorders, not psychosis.

1 / 2