Hung Jury

Lindsay Clancy’s six-week murder trial ended without a verdict.

Judge Sullivan made the call Friday after the jury remained deadlocked on whether the 36-year-old was criminally responsible for killing her three children (five, three, and eight months). Clancy says she was suffering from postpartum psychosis.

The jury’s foreperson said the group was split 11-1 in favor of acquittal (finding reasonable doubt of her sanity) and that the twelfth also expressed doubt but refused to apply it. Clancy’s attorney unsuccessfully pushed to remove the holdout juror.

Clancy returns to a state psychiatric hospital to await a September 29 hearing, where prosecutors are expected to announce whether they’ll retry the case with a new jury, pursue a plea deal, or drop charges (see our mini explainer on mistrials).

PRAY WITH US
Righteous God, as this trial captured our attention, keep it from capturing our hearts. Protect us from unhealthy obsession with outcomes and evidence.

Just Lord, bend near to the brokenhearted caught up in the web of media coverage, public scrutiny, and speculation. When they feel that justice is far from them, hoping for light but walking in gloom, take this crushing weight off their shoulders. Catch each of their sorrowful tears in your bottle and hold them close. (read full prayer here)