Mistrial Declared in Lindsay Clancy Murder Case
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Mistrial Declared in Lindsay Clancy Murder Case After Jury Deadlock
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Figure caption:
Inside court as judge declares a mistrial in Lindsay Clancy case
By
Ione Wells
Reporting from
Reporting from court in Massachusetts
Ana Faguy and Sareen Habeshian
Published
4 September 2026
Warning: This story contains distressing details and discussion of attempted suicide
A Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in the murder case against Lindsay Clancy after jurors, who deliberated for about a week, stated they would not be able to unanimously decide on her criminal liability for killing her three young children.
The case against Clancy has captivated and divided the American public, even drawing remarks from the US president. The courtroom atmosphere shifted as the case and Clancy's future remained uncertain.
Clancy's lawyer attempted a last-ditch effort to prevent the mistrial and secure a verdict, but it was unsuccessful. A hearing scheduled for 29 September will determine the next steps in the case.
What Happens Next After Lindsay Clancy's Murder Trial Ends in Mistrial?
Key Moments from Lindsay Clancy's Trial Over Children's Killings
"At this point, I'm going to declare that the jury is deadlocked, and I'm going to declare a mistrial," Judge Sullivan told the jury on Friday, dismissing them after weeks of testimony and nearly a week of deliberation. The deadlock, known as a hung jury, does not imply prosecutors failed to prove their case or that Clancy is innocent.
A hearing will be held on 29 September, where prosecutors may outline their options, including a potential retrial or a plea agreement with Clancy regarding the strangulation of her children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, eight months old, in their Massachusetts home in 2023.
After the killings, Clancy cut herself with a knife and jumped from a second-story window, attempting suicide, which left her paralyzed.
Clancy does not deny killing her children but pleaded not guilty to three first-degree murder charges, with her lawyers arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible.
Image:
Plymouth Clerks Office
Image caption:
A photo displayed in court shows Clancy, her ex-husband, and their children.
The trial unfolded with dramatic twists as the jury pondered Clancy's fate. On Friday, Clancy's attorney requested the removal of a juror who, according to a previous jury note, was not adhering to instructions on reasonable doubt.
Under US law, a jury must unanimously believe "beyond a reasonable doubt" to convict someone of a crime, a standard known as the strictest in the legal system.