The final text messages exchanged between Lindsay Clancy and her then-husband, Patrick Clancy, before she allegedly killed their three young children were presented in court on Thursday. The conversation, which occurred on January 24, 2023, included discussions about ordering takeout and the children's well-being.
Just over an hour before Patrick Clancy returned home to find their children deceased, Lindsay Clancy texted him about dinner plans. At 4:53 p.m., she inquired if he wanted takeout from a local restaurant, stating, "I didn’t cook anything. It’s been a long day." Patrick agreed, and the couple exchanged messages about their food orders, with Lindsay Clancy selecting a "Mediterranean Power bowl" and Patrick opting for "scallops and pork belly risotto."
In the midst of these exchanges, Patrick asked if their infant son, Callan, had woken up. Lindsay Clancy responded, "It was just a short nap." Their conversation also touched upon their daughter Cora's earlier medical appointment, where Lindsay reported, "Her urine looked good so nothing going wrong with her kidneys, phew." Patrick responded, "Oh wow. You’re a good momma."
Patrick Clancy had left the home to run errands, including picking up medicine for their daughter at a nearby CVS and then collecting their food order. He returned home shortly after 6 p.m. to discover Cora, 5, and Dawson, 3, dead, and 8-month-old Callan clinging to life. He also found Lindsay Clancy in the backyard, having apparently attempted suicide by jumping from a second-story window, slitting her wrists and neck, and sustaining injuries from the fall.
State Trooper Timothy Chiappini, who analyzed Clancy's cellphone, testified to the content of these text messages. Earlier in the day, the court heard about concerning Google searches made by Clancy in the weeks leading up to the killings. These included searches such as "can you treat a sociopath?" four days prior, "how to slit your throat to die," "where is the carotid artery," and "how to turn airbags off on Kia Sorento."
Clancy's defense is arguing for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, asserting she was experiencing severe postpartum psychosis and was influenced by voices instructing her to commit the acts. Prosecutors, however, contend that Clancy planned the murders with the intention of gaining relief from childcare responsibilities. Evidence presented included a private note from November 3, 2022, in which Clancy expressed a desire for a fourth child despite her struggles with caring for her existing three.
Surveillance footage was also shown to the jury, depicting Lindsay Clancy with Callan in a carrier, interacting with Dawson and Cora at a science museum with Patrick on January 8, 2023, approximately two weeks before the incident.
The trial, which is in its third week, is scheduled to resume on Monday. The court is also providing resources for those affected by suicide and mental health issues, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line.