Mistrial declared in Lindsay Clancy case: What happens next?

Lindsay Clancy’s trial ended without a verdict after the jury reported for the third time in seven days that it could not reach an agreement. Judge William Sullivan therefore declared a mistrial on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.

The decision does not amount to an acquittal. The three murder charges remain active, and prosecutors can ask for a new trial. The prosecution and defense may also negotiate a plea agreement, or prosecutors could decide not to continue the case. No decision has been announced.

Clancy, a former nurse, acknowledged killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder. Prosecutors accuse her of strangling Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, at their home in Duxbury on Jan. 24, 2023.

Her defense argued that she suffered a psychotic episode linked to postpartum depression and questioned the medical care she received. Prosecutors said she acted consciously and understood what she was doing. The jury could have convicted her of murder or manslaughter, acquitted her, or found her not criminally responsible because of her mental state.

Clancy has remained in a psychiatric facility since 2023. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rejected an emergency appeal from the defense, which argued that one juror was disregarding the judge’s instructions and preventing a verdict. The case is due back in court on Sept. 29, when its next stage will be addressed.