Duxbury Mother Seeks Trial Move Amidst Media Scrutiny

UPDATE: Lindsay Clancy, the Duxbury mother accused of murdering her three children, is pushing for her trial to be moved outside of Plymouth County due to alleged media bias. Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, claims that extensive media coverage has compromised her right to an impartial jury. The request comes just as the trial is scheduled to begin on February 9, 2023.

Reddington argues that the case should be heard at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston, stating that the prejudicial publicity surrounding the case makes it unlikely to assemble an unbiased jury in Plymouth County. “In light of the extensive media coverage… the unavoidable conclusion is that Lindsay Clancy cannot be given a fair trial in Plymouth County,” he stated in his motion.

However, Plymouth Second Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague counters that Clancy’s claims are unfounded. She emphasizes that the trial judge will employ a “deliberate and thoughtful individual voir dire process” to ensure that only impartial jurors are selected. Sprague also noted that media coverage has not been particularly damaging and pointed out that Reddington himself contributed to the media narrative by speaking to reporters early in the case.

Clancy, aged 35, faces grave charges for the alleged strangulation of her three children: Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months. Authorities allege that Clancy used a ligature, reportedly an exercise band, to strangle each child, which would have required holding the ligature in place for up to five minutes for each victim. Following the tragic events on January 24, 2023, Clancy is reported to have attempted suicide by cutting herself and jumping from a window, leading to her current paralysis and confinement to a wheelchair.

Reddington intends to pursue an insanity defense, arguing that Clancy was suffering from postpartum depression and was emotionally unstable at the time of the incident. The next court hearing is set for Tuesday morning at Plymouth Superior Court, where the judge will address the venue change request.

As the community grapples with this heartbreaking case, Clancy’s future hangs in the balance amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny and emotional distress. The upcoming trial promises to reveal further details surrounding the tragic events and the mental health issues that have been raised.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the implications extend beyond the courtroom and into the hearts of those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.