Duxbury Mother Lindsay Clancy Seeks Trial Change Amid Controversy

UPDATE: Lindsay Clancy, the Duxbury mother charged with the tragic deaths of her three young children, is pushing to move her trial out of Plymouth County. Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, argues that the extensive media coverage makes it impossible to find an impartial jury locally.

The request comes as the trial is set to begin on February 9, 2024. Reddington is seeking to have the case heard at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston, citing “exploitive prejudicial publicity” as a significant concern.

However, Plymouth Second Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague strongly opposes this move. She contends that the trial judge will implement a “deliberate and thoughtful individual voir dire process” to ensure a fair jury selection. Sprague insists that Reddington’s claims do not hold water, arguing that media coverage has not been “highly prejudicial” to Clancy.

The case involves the heartbreaking deaths of Cora, age 5; Dawson, age 3; and Callan, only 8 months old. Clancy has pleaded not guilty to the charges, with the prosecution alleging she used a ligature, believed to be an exercise band, to strangle each child—a process that could have taken up to five minutes for each victim.

Reddington is also requesting a delay in the trial, suggesting it be pushed back to next spring at the earliest. This follows accusations that Clancy attempted suicide after the alleged killings on January 24, 2023, resulting in severe injuries that have left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

In a striking turn, Sprague highlighted that Reddington himself has contributed to the media frenzy by discussing the case with reporters, thus complicating his arguments for a venue change. “Defense counsel pitched his version of the facts… to most, if not all, of the local television and print media,” she stated.

Clancy’s defense is pursuing an insanity plea, citing her struggles with postpartum depression at the time of the incident. Reddington maintains that she was emotionally unstable during the tragic events.

As this case garners national attention, the next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning at Plymouth Superior Court. Observers are keenly awaiting whether the trial will proceed as planned or if the venue change will be granted, which could significantly impact the proceedings.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.