What To Know
- The Lindsay Clancy trial, involving charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children, began on July 27; it could held in lat August.
- After closing arguments, Judge William Sullivan will instruct the jury, which must reach a unanimous verdict for a conviction.
- The prosecution may introduce new evidence in rebuttal after the defense rests, but only under specific circumstances or with newly-discovered facts.
Warning: This post contains discussions of murder and self-harm.
Lindsay Clancy‘s trial officially kicked off on July 27 with opening statements. But when will it end? And what happens next after the defense rests its case? Let’s take a closer look at what folks can expect.
To recap, Lindsay, 36, is charged with three first-degree murder counts in the January 2023 deaths of her three young children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months. Her husband, Patrick Clancy, 38, allegedly found the kids strangled with exercise bands in their Duxbury, Massachusetts, home, after running errands. Meanwhile, Lindsay had allegedly cut her wrists and throat and jumped out of a second-story window, paralyzing her from the waist down.
Lindsay’s defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, does not dispute that she killed her children. However, he argues that she is not criminally responsible because she suffered from severe postpartum psychosis and depression.
What happens after the defense rests? Here’s when closing arguments could happen
On Monday, August 17, the prosecution rested in the Lindsay Clancy trial, and the defense began its case. Reddington told The Patriot Ledger on August 18 that closing arguments could begin as soon as Monday, August 24. At that point, the prosecution and defense will have 30 minutes to summarize their arguments and make their final comments.
Lindsay Clancy on the seventh day of her murder trial at Plymouth Superior Court on August 5, 2026. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
When does the jury start deliberating?
Following closing arguments, Judge William Sullivan will charge the jury, and the 18 members of the jury will begin deliberations. The jury must unanimously agree in order for Lindsay to be convicted of murder.
Could the prosecution introduce more evidence?
New evidence is permitted from the prosecution after the defense rests, but only in certain circumstances. The prosecution can call witnesses and/or present new items during rebuttal. Additionally, a judge may allow either side to reopen its case to add new evidence if there is a strong reason, although this is rare. Newly discovered facts that could not have been found earlier can also prompt the prosecution or defense to ask the judge to allow them to be considered.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.