Juror Michael Desronvil Receives Death Threats and Raises Over $330,000
The sole dissenting juror in the Lindsay Clancy case, Michael P. Desronvil, says he has been targeted with death threats, doxing and harassment, prompting a fundraiser that has collected more than $330,000.
Michael P. Desronvil, the only juror to oppose a not-guilty-by-insanity verdict for Lindsay Clancy, publicly defended his stance after weeks of silence. His attorney, Edward Paltzik, disclosed that Desronvil has faced a "lunatic mob" that threatened his safety and exposed his personal information. In response, supporters created a fundraising campaign to cover security costs, legal fees and lost wages, which has now exceeded $330,000. The lawyer said the money will be used for essential expenses stemming from the threats and harassment.
Why it matters
The story highlights the risks jurors can face when defying majority opinions in high-profile cases.
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 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.
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