Lindsay Clancy Trial Faces Possible Mistrial

The Lindsay Clancy murder trial in Massachusetts may be headed for a mistrial. The jury continued deliberations for the sixth day on Thursday, even after twice notifying the judge of their deadlock.

Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan sent the jurors back on Wednesday afternoon with a “dynamite charge,” a last-ditch instruction to encourage a verdict. Consisting of nine women and three men, the jury has deliberated for over 29 hours since receiving the case on Thursday, August 27.

Lindsay Clancy, alongside her attorney Kevin Reddington, appeared on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Clancy faces charges of first-degree murder for the strangling deaths of her three children—5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan—at their Duxbury residence on January 24, 2023.

“Unlikely we’re going to get a verdict,” predicted CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi.

Polisi expressed doubts about reaching a verdict. She suggested it’s probable the jury will deliberate a few more hours to satisfy the judge before admitting they are hopelessly deadlocked. At that point, a mistrial might be declared to avoid coercing a verdict, which could lead to appeals.

Polisi advised that prosecutors should contemplate their next steps if the trial ends in a mistrial. Reddington stated he would be prepared for a second trial “next week.” Following a potential mistrial, jurors may be polled to inform decisions on proceeding and framing the case. Polisi noted that a second trial could present a different theory.

“Nobody can agree,” Polisi added in her analysis.

She attributed the jury’s division to nationwide public opinion splits regarding the case. The jury has the option to unanimously decide on one of the five verdicts: not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter.

Reddington argued Clancy was not criminally responsible due to overmedication and postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors maintain Clancy premeditated the killings and understood her actions when strangling her children.

Conviction outcomes vary. A guilty verdict on first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter means prison time. Not guilty by reason of insanity would necessitate Clancy’s continued stay at Tewksbury State Hospital with periodic case reviews.

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