Lindsay Clancy may leverage near-not-guilty verdict to push multi-million settlement
A deadlocked jury left most jurors ready to find Lindsay Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity, a fact her lawyers hope will strengthen her civil claims against her doctors.
Lindsay Clancy, accused of strangling her three children in January 2023, faced a mistrial when the jury remained deadlocked, but a majority of jurors indicated they would have acquitted her on insanity grounds. Experts suggest her defense team can cite the jurors' view to pressure the medical providers she is suing for a settlement that could reach seven figures. The civil suit alleges that doctors misdiagnosed her postpartum psychosis and over-prescribed medication, contributing to the tragedy.
Because the criminal case is still pending, Clancy can refuse to sit for a deposition and may invoke her Fifth Amendment rights. Testimony from the criminal trial, including cross-examination of psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts, could be used to challenge witnesses in the civil case. Lawyers also warn that the extensive media coverage may make it difficult to find an unbiased jury for any future civil trial.
Why it matters
The case shows how criminal trial outcomes can influence civil malpractice claims and settlement negotiations.
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.
In this story
Related stories
13 in this thread