Holdout juror maintains Lindsay Clancy’s guilt as mistrial remains
In the Massachusetts trial of Lindsay Clancy, the sole juror who voted for a murder conviction, Michael Desronvil, publicly said he never doubted her guilt, citing physical evidence and witness testimony. The twelve‑person jury deadlocked, leading Judge William Sullivan to declare a mistrial on September 4. Since the trial, Desronvil has been placed in a secure, undisclosed location after receiving threats, and a fundraiser has been launched to help cover his security and legal costs. Prosecutors have not indicated whether a retrial will be pursued, and a hearing is scheduled for September 29.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 5h later
Why it matters
The case underscores how juror safety and public reaction can influence high‑profile trials and debates over mental‑health defenses.
How this story developed
- Aug 19 Defense psychologist argues Lindsay Clancy lacked criminal intent due to 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 2 A 2-year-old boy died after police responded to a Frankfort, Illinois residence where his mother was found with self-inflicted injuries, prompting a domestic homicide inquiry.
- 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 8 A single holdout juror prevented a not-guilty-by-insanity verdict in Lindsay Clancy’s trial, leading Judge William Sullivan to declare a mistrial.
- Sep 8 Walsh has been formally charged with first‑degree murder.
- Sep 18 A hearing on the case is scheduled for September 29.
- Sep 19 Juror Michael Desronvil publicly affirmed Clancy’s guilt, entered protective hiding, and a fundraiser was started to support him.
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