Former President Donald Trump has commented on the case of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three young children. Clancy's attorney, Kevin Reddington, had publicly pleaded with Trump to consider a pardon for his client following a mistrial in her murder case.
Clancy is charged with killing her children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and 18-month-old Callan, in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in January 2023. Her defense team admitted she caused the deaths but argued she was legally insane at the time. The trial concluded on September 4 with a hung jury, meaning the jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict on guilt or manslaughter. A retrial is now pending.
Reddington directly appealed to Trump, hoping he might exert influence, despite acknowledging the former president's lack of direct power over state-level charges. Trump, in response, stated that he hopes prosecutors can "work something out" with Clancy to avoid a second trial. "It's a very sad situation. I certainly heard that, but look, it's very sad. There is no winner there. There's no win no matter what you do. Three children are dead," Trump told reporters. He also referred to Reddington as a "very good attorney" and suggested a plea bargain might be an option.
Trump acknowledged that he has no authority to intervene in state cases but expressed his hope for a resolution. "I hope they can work something out. That's something they have to work out," he said.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is the official with the power to grant a pardon in this case, but she has not indicated whether she would consider it. Trump also retains significant influence and could theoretically pressure prosecutors, though his comments were made more informally.
Following the mistrial declaration, Trump had expressed disappointment that the jury could not reach a verdict, calling it a "horrible tragedy" and stating that another trial would be necessary. He noted that the outcome would likely involve either a mental institution or jail.
Reddington has indicated a willingness to negotiate with District Attorney Tim Cruz for a resolution to prevent Clancy from enduring another trial. "I'm willing to listen to Tim [Cruz]. I've known Tim for 30 years. I hope, however, after this trial, that he would revisit that issue and we could work something out that will be acceptable for both sides," he stated.
Judge William Sullivan declared the mistrial on September 4 after nearly a week of deliberations. The jury's inability to reach a verdict was reportedly due to one juror who insisted on a guilty verdict, while the other 11 voted for a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. Notes from the jury forewoman suggested the dissenting juror had doubts about Clancy's mental competency but was unwilling to apply them to their vote.
Clancy, a former nurse, has stated she was suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis, brought on by prescribed medication. She also attempted suicide by jumping from an upstairs window after the killings, an act that left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair.
