A pink sticker reading '#sidebah' on the wheelchair of defendant Lindsay Clancy has drawn criticism from legal experts, who suggest it could negatively impact the ongoing murder trial. The sticker, affixed to a drink holder on Clancy's wheelchair, appears to be a reference to the way her lawyer, Kevin Reddington, pronounces the legal term 'sidebar,' a private conversation between a judge and lawyers.
The phrase '#sidebah' has gained traction online as a satirical meme during the contentious proceedings. Supporters of Clancy, who have gathered outside the courthouse, view the sticker as an affectionate inside joke referencing Reddington's distinctive accent and his frequent use of sidebars during the trial. Some have praised Reddington as an "unlikely folk hero" and "an amazing to watch" lawyer.
However, legal analysts warn that the sticker could be interpreted as Clancy not taking the trial seriously. "A trial about the deaths of three children is not the place for jokes," said Florida-based attorney Andrea Lewis. "Jurors see everything and may view that as a sign that she is not taking the trial seriously. That is an enormous risk to take when your life is literally on the line."
Clancy is accused of murdering her three children by strangling them with exercise bands in January 2023. She has admitted to the killings but claims she is not guilty of murder due to severe postpartum psychosis at the time of the events. Following the deaths, she is paralyzed from the waist down after jumping from a second-story window in an apparent suicide attempt.
The jury of nine women and three men has been deliberating for six days, totaling 36 hours, without reaching a unanimous verdict. Reports indicate an 11-1 split among the jurors. Tensions have escalated as the jury foreperson informed Judge William Sullivan that one juror is allegedly failing to follow the law regarding reasonable doubt. Clancy's defense attorney requested the dismissal of this juror, but the judge denied the motion and sent the jury home.
California legal analyst Neama Rahmani, not involved in the case, suggested that while the sticker might seem insignificant, it could be used by prosecutors in future proceedings, such as a retrial. "You could potentially raise it in opening or closing: she's not taking it seriously, she thinks this is a joke," Rahmani stated, adding that such an argument could also be relevant to a judge during sentencing if a defendant appears not to have accepted responsibility.
Rahmani, a former prosecutor, also noted that the defense has performed exceptionally well, exceeding his initial expectations. He had previously considered the case a "layup" for the prosecution, given the rarity of successful insanity defenses, but now predicts either a verdict of not criminally responsible or a hung jury.
Jury deliberations are scheduled to continue. The controversy surrounding the sticker highlights the intense scrutiny defendants face in court and the potential for even small details to influence perceptions.