Patrick Clancy's mother testifies in daughter-in-law's murder trial

The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy resumed Tuesday in Massachusetts, with the defense calling its first witnesses, including Clancy's mother-in-law, Susan Clancy. The 15th day of testimony focused on the defense's case after the prosecution rested, having presented 72 witnesses in Plymouth Superior Court.

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She was very nurturing, very loving. She was a wonderful mother. She loved her children, all of them. Very, very much.

Susan Clancy testified that she had a very positive relationship with her former daughter-in-law, describing Lindsay as "very nurturing, very loving" and "a wonderful mother" who "loved her children, all of them. Very, very much." She stated that Lindsay had reached out in November, expressing feelings of insomnia, anxiety, and sadness. As a nurse, Susan Clancy contacted colleagues running a program for postpartum mothers to help Lindsay.

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Did you find that Lindsay was interested at all times in trying to get better and see doctors?

Under cross-examination, Susan Clancy affirmed that Lindsay was eager to get better and see doctors, stating, "She was begging for help." Susan also offered to help care for the children overnight while Lindsay was struggling, but the family decided it was best for the children to remain in their own beds. She further testified about frequent text message exchanges with Lindsay regarding her medications, noting, "There were a lot of medications. It seemed confusing."

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Very much so. She was begging for help.

Lindsay Clancy, 36, faces charges of first-degree murder for the deaths of her three children, Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months, in their Duxbury home on January 24, 2023. While Clancy admits to killing her children, her defense attorney argues she should not be held criminally responsible due to being overmedicated and suffering from postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors contend that Clancy planned the murders before attempting suicide, an act that left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair. If convicted of first-degree murder, she faces life in prison without parole. If found not criminally responsible, she will be committed to a state psychiatric hospital.

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There were a lot of medications. It seemed confusing.