Story perspectives

Lindsay Clancy Pleads Insanity in Children Murder Trial

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lindsay Clancy is on trial in Plymouth, Massachusetts for the Jan. 24, 2023 murders of her three children, pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.
Prosecutors say she planned the killings, sent husband Patrick Clancy away, strangled the children with exercise bands and attempted suicide, leaving her paralyzed.
Defense cites postpartum psychosis and overmedication and says a not-guilty verdict would lead to psychiatric commitment while conviction carries life without parole.

History

Historical Context

In June 2001 Andrea Yates drowned her five children, and her 2002 trial featured forensic psychiatrist Park Dietz, who erroneously cited a nonexistent *Law & Order* episode. That mistake helped an appeals court overturn the conviction on January 6 2005.

1 of 2

Story summary

Lindsay Clancy is on trial in Plymouth, Massachusetts for the Jan. 24, 2023 murders of her three children, pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.
Prosecutors say she planned the killings, sent husband Patrick Clancy away, strangled the children with exercise bands and attempted suicide, leaving her paralyzed.
Defense cites postpartum psychosis and overmedication and says a not-guilty verdict would lead to psychiatric commitment while conviction carries life without parole.

1 / 2