Lindsay Clancy trial hits deadlock, mirroring recent Massachusetts hung juries
Jurors in Lindsay Clancy’s case reported they could not reach a unanimous verdict, prompting the judge to send them back before they left without a decision.
On Tuesday, jurors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial told Judge William Sullivan they were unable to agree on a verdict, causing the judge to order additional deliberations. The panel resumed discussion but, by around 3:30 p.m., returned home without reaching a decision. This deadlock echoes earlier Massachusetts cases, notably the hung juries in Karen Read’s 2024 trial and Emanuel Lopes’s trials in 2023 and 2024, both of which eventually resulted in mistrials after multiple reports of being deadlocked.
Under state law, judges may issue a “Tuey-Rodriguez” instruction—sometimes called a “dynamite” charge—to press jurors toward a decision; a third deadlock permits the judge to declare a mistrial. Should a mistrial be entered in Clancy’s case, she will stay in custody at Tewksbury State Hospital under psychiatric care, and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz will determine whether to pursue a new trial on first-degree murder or a lesser charge. The outcome will shape the next steps in a high-profile criminal proceeding.
Why it matters
It shows how deadlocked juries can delay justice and affect the defendant's custody and future trial options.
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.
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