Lone Juror in Lindsay Clancy Trial Receives Death Threats, Fundraiser Exceeds $360,000

The sole juror who did not vote to acquit Lindsay Clancy of murder in her children's deaths has become the target of death threats and doxxing, leading to a substantial online fundraiser for his protection and support. Michael Desronvil, 48, a juror in the highly publicized case that resulted in a mistrial, is now in hiding after his identity was made public.

Clancy, a former nurse, was accused of strangling her three young children—Cora, five; Dawson, three; and Callan, eight months—at their Duxbury, Massachusetts, home in January 2023. Her defense argued she was not guilty by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis. Clancy did not deny killing her children but maintained she was unaware of her actions due to her mental state.

During deliberations, 11 jurors reportedly favored acquitting Clancy, while Desronvil remained the lone holdout, believing there was sufficient evidence that Clancy knew what she was doing. This disagreement led to a mistrial. Other jurors described frustration with Desronvil's conduct, with some calling him "arrogant" and "shocking" for his refusal to agree with the majority and his focus on the decorum of the discussions rather than the evidence.

Following the mistrial, a fundraiser was launched on GiveSendGo with the stated purpose of covering "security, lawyers and lost work" for Desronvil, under the premise that "if they come for him, and they will." As of Sunday evening, the fundraiser had garnered over $361,970. Desronvil's attorney, Edward Paltzik, stated that his client had received "death threats, doxxing and harassment" and was staying at an "undisclosed secure location" in New England.

Desronvil, in a statement released by his attorney, asserted that "based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses and what the prosecution presented, I thought it was enough proof that [Clancy] knew exactly what she was doing." He emphasized that he "didn't have any doubts" about Clancy's guilt.

Paltzik also shared a heartwarming photograph of Desronvil holding his newborn daughter, noting the outpouring of support he had received. He acknowledged that not everyone would agree with his client's verdict but stressed the importance of a juror's right to follow the evidence and law without fear.

However, subsequent reporting revealed Desronvil's own history of domestic violence allegations. Court records and police reports obtained by NBC10 Boston indicated that he was charged with assault in September 2021 following an incident involving his then-wife, which was reported by his nephew. The criminal charge was eventually dismissed. More recently, his nephew obtained a restraining order against Desronvil last year, accusing him of physical assault and verbal threats. This restraining order was active at the time Desronvil was selected for the Clancy jury.