Psychologist: Lindsay Clancy lacked criminal responsibility for children's deaths

A psychologist testified Wednesday that Lindsay Clancy did not grasp the "wrongfulness" of killing her three children because of her mental health struggles. Paul Zeizel, testifying for the defense, presented Clancy's severe bipolar disorder and a rare condition called postpartum psychosis as reasons she should not be held legally responsible for the murders.

Zeizel, who began treating Clancy after the deaths, stated she was "unable to conform her behavior to the rule of law" and had "no appreciation for the wrongfulness of her act." He explained that postpartum psychosis, a condition more serious than postpartum depression, affects an estimated 1 to 2 per 1,000 women and is linked to the intense stress and hormonal changes after childbirth.

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She was unable to conform her behavior to the rule of law. She had no appreciation for the wrongfulness of her act.

Clancy, 36, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the deaths of her children, aged 5 years to 8 months. Prosecutors allege she meticulously planned the January 2023 killings. They claim she orchestrated her husband's absence by sending him to pick up medication and dinner, creating an opportunity to commit the crimes.

However, Zeizel detailed Clancy's own expressions of distress. He said she visited a perinatal clinic in December 2022, reporting feelings of "damaged" brain function, suicidal thoughts, and a belief that she would "never get any better." She also exhibited paranoia and feared her children would be taken away. Despite these severe symptoms, Zeizel acknowledged that Clancy could still perform daily tasks, a point defense attorney Kevin Reddington used to question the extent of her incapacitation.

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She was worried that her children would be removed from her and that she would never see them again.