Full Breakdown
Dispute Over Holdout Juror Fuels Post-Mistrial Motions in Lindsay Clancy Case
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Trial Mistrial and Holdout Juror Dispute
After a week of deliberations, Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who faces murder charges for the deaths of her three children—Cora, Dawson and Callan (8 months). Eleven jurors voted for a not-guilty verdict based on a claim of postpartum psychosis, while a single juror, identified by his attorney as Michael Desronvil, maintained that Clancy was guilty. The juror’s stance prevented the required unanimous decision, prompting the mistrial.
Defense Motions Targeting the Holdout
Clancy’s lead counsel, Kevin Reddington, filed a “limited inquiry” seeking the juror’s background, criminal history, phone records and courthouse surveillance video. A second filing by attorney Martin Weinberg argues that the judge’s decision to declare a mistrial before fully investigating the holdout violates double-jeopardy protections. Weinberg’s brief states that the jury twice reported the juror’s refusal to apply the legal standard of reasonable doubt, and that the court’s limited reminder to the jurors was insufficient.
Attorney Edward Paltzik’s Counterarguments
He asserts that filing a post-trial motion to investigate a juror is unprecedented for a criminal-defense lawyer with nearly two decades of experience. Paltzik also labeled Clancy a “demon” and called for her execution, noting that Massachusetts does not have the death penalty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think Ed ought to learn how to go into the courtroom and articulate his position rather than be a histrionic individual that's just mouthing off for the media,” — Kevin Reddington, clancy's defense attorney
- “Every motion that has been filed is legitimate,” — Kevin Reddington, clancy's defense attorney
- “Kevin Reddington was doing his job but the problem is it’s off the rails now,” — Edward Paltzik
- “My real advice to Kevin — I think he should stop whining and go prepare for a retrial,” — Edward Paltzik
- “LINDSAY CLANCY JUDGE CALLS MISTRIAL, THEN GRANTS DEFENSE ONE HOUR STAY FOR APPEAL GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL "The jury twice informed the Court that one of its members was refusing to apply the Court's instructions regarding the fundamental concept of reasonable doubt," Weinberg wrote.” — Martin Weinberg
What’s Next
Clancy is scheduled to appear for a hearing on the defense motions later this week. Prosecutors have indicated they may pursue a second trial or consider a plea arrangement, pending the court’s rulings on the submitted motions.