Concerns about a hung jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial are met with optimism from a retired Massachusetts Superior Court Judge. Despite the jury’s deadlock note, a verdict is still possible, the judge asserts.
Lindsay Clancy, 36, is on trial for three counts of first-degree murder, accused of killing her children Cora, Dawson, and Callan, all under 6. Their bodies were found strangled at home in January 2023. After deliberating for over 23 hours across four days, the jury paused without a unanimous decision.
‘I brought you back out because I know that this was a long trial. …There were over 80 witnesses. There were over 300 exhibits. Because of that, I’m going to ask you to go back out, keeping in mind all of the instructions that I gave you…’ – Judge William Sullivan
In a note to Judge William Sullivan, jurors expressed that they couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict. Sullivan instructed them to resume deliberations.
The jury considers multiple charges: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, or not guilty on grounds of insanity or lack of criminal responsibility. Retired Judge Jack Lu suggests the deadlock note doesn’t indicate an impending mistrial. He advises patience, acknowledging that juries often initially report deadlock in emotional cases but may eventually reach consensus.
‘It is common for juries that eventually reach a verdict, especially in highly emotional cases, to initially report that they are deadlocked. – Retired Judge Jack Lu
Lu supports Sullivan’s choice not to issue a Tuey-Rodriguez charge, which encourages continued deliberation toward unanimity. Such instructions should be used cautiously to avoid pressuring jurors, Lu emphasizes.
Jurors, tasked with a significant societal decision, don’t yet suggest imminent deadlock. Lu indicates it may be too early to conclude the jury will hang, suggesting that extended deliberations remain legitimate.
The jury resumes deliberations at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
Reporter Adam Sabes contributed to this report. Tips can be sent to [email protected] or on Twitter @asabes10.