Lindsay Clancy’s defence has unexpectedly changed strategy in the case over the deaths of her three children. At a hearing on Tuesday in Plymouth District Court in Massachusetts, attorney Kevin Reddington argued that prosecutors had not produced enough evidence that Clancy killed the children. He called the case speculative. Prosecutors dismissed that argument as laughable, pointing to her admission.
Clancy’s lawyers are seeking dismissal of the triple-murder charges and want to prevent a retrial. The court postponed the hearing until November 2. The first trial ended without a verdict in early September, when the 12 jurors could not agree on whether the 36-year-old was criminally responsible.
The former midwife admitted killing the children but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Her defence says she suffered from postpartum psychosis. The case has prompted a broad US debate about maternal mental health. Dozens of women showed support outside the courthouse during the trial, while supporters of Donald Trump called online for the harshest possible punishment, citing the need to protect children’s right to life.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 2. Source: AFP via Tagesspiegel.