For nearly three and a half years, Lindsay Clancy, accused of strangling her three children in January 2023, has resided at Tewksbury State Hospital. Her weekly visitor, Father Bob Deehan, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Duxbury, has provided a glimpse into her daily life and mental condition, describing her as devastated and constantly thinking of her children.
Clancy is confined to a wheelchair and receives round-the-clock care at the psychiatric facility following what her defense claims was a severe episode of postpartum psychosis and depression. Father Bob visits Clancy weekly, discussing her children, Cora, Dawson, and baby Callan, and working with her on faith and hope. He noted that Clancy has made progress and no longer appears to be in a state of psychological crisis, though she remains profoundly affected by the loss of her children.
"She's doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances," Father Bob told the Daily Mail. "She's very devastated and thinks of the children pretty much every hour of the day." He also stated that Clancy finds solace in her faith, believing she can maintain a spiritual connection with her children through prayer.
Clancy's defense team has argued she was suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis at the time of the killings. During court proceedings, she has appeared lucid but becomes inconsolable when testimony turns to the fatal injuries inflicted on her children. Last week, during the revelation of autopsy details, Clancy broke down in audible distress.
Her parents, Mike and Paula Musgrove, have relocated from Connecticut to be near her, staying in hotels to remain close. Her ex-husband, Patrick Clancy, has publicly expressed compassion for Lindsay and described her as a loving mother. However, the tragedy has irrevocably altered their lives; he relocated to New York City in May 2023, four months after the deaths, and has since remarried. He has not visited Lindsay in the hospital. Patrick testified at her trial, emotionally recounting his ex-wife's struggle with deteriorating mental health.
Father Bob, who baptized Clancy's two youngest children and officiated at family holiday services, was one of the first people to visit Clancy after the incident, administering her Last Rites at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He also visited Patrick Clancy, who had fled to his parents' home, and later performed the funerals for the three children. He has continued to offer support to the family throughout the trial, attending some court days with Clancy's parents.
The outcome of Clancy's trial will determine whether she faces a potential life sentence in prison if convicted, or remains committed to psychiatric care if found not guilty by reason of insanity. If committed, her hospitalization could be indefinite, with potential release only if she is no longer deemed a danger to herself or others. For now, Clancy continues to travel between the Plymouth courtroom and Tewksbury Hospital daily.
Clancy also receives a significant amount of mail from people offering support, which Father Bob stated is greatly appreciated. "People write to her at the hospital and send her cards," he said. "I think this touched a chord, especially among mothers who may themselves have had some brush with mental illness after the birth of a child."
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.