Defense attorney plans double-jeopardy motion after mistrial in Clancy case
Attorney Kevin Reddington will ask a judge to dismiss the murder case against Lindsay Clancy, arguing the mistrial was not a manifest necessity.
Kevin Reddington announced he will move to dismiss the charges against Lindsay Clancy at a scheduled hearing on Sept. 29, citing double-jeopardy because the mistrial lacked manifest necessity. The mistrial followed a split jury, with one juror reportedly refusing to consider reasonable doubt despite the foreperson’s note. Judge William Sullivan previously denied requests to dismiss the holdout juror or to question jurors further.
Prosecutors have not confirmed a retrial, while District Attorney Tim Cruz could negotiate a plea to lesser charges. Reddington emphasized Clancy’s ongoing psychiatric treatment and expressed hope the case raises awareness of postpartum psychosis. He also stated he does not want another trial but will pursue the dismissal motion.
Why it matters
The outcome could prevent a retrial and set a precedent for double-jeopardy claims after mistrials.
How this story developed
- Aug 19 Defense psychologist argues Lindsay Clancy lacked criminal intent due to postpartum psychosis
- Aug 21 A defense psychologist testified about Clancy’s bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis.
- Aug 24 Prosecutors presented rebuttal witnesses after the defense rested.
- Aug 26 Prosecution called Dr. Avram Mack as a rebuttal witness who testified Clancy understood the wrongfulness of her conduct.
- Aug 29 Jurors convened Thursday to decide whether Clancy bears criminal liability.
- Aug 31 Jury began third day of deliberations in the case
- Aug 31 Jury resumed deliberations on Tuesday after failing to reach a verdict on Monday.
- Sep 2 Dawn Light was arrested outside the courthouse and charged with intimidation of a witness, juror, or person providing information.
- Sep 3 The jury reported a second deadlock in the trial.
- Sep 4 Defense counsel requested dismissal of a holdout juror after the foreperson’s note indicated the juror was not following the judge’s guidance on reasonable doubt.
- Sep 4 A jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder case remains deadlocked after seven days, with a single juror refusing to follow the judge's reasonable-doubt instruction.
- Sep 4 Judge Sullivan granted a one‑hour stay as defense counsel filed an emergency appeal to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
- Sep 5 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court denied Clancy’s attorney’s emergency petition, leading to a formal mistrial.
In this story
Related stories
14 in this thread