Duxbury MA-A Massachusetts judge has denied a request from Lindsay Clancy’s defense team to split her upcoming murder trial into two separate phases.
Clancy, a Duxbury mother accused of killing her three young children in 2023, will now face a single, unified trial rather than a bifurcated proceeding.
What the defense wanted
Her attorney had asked the court to divide the trial into two parts:
- First, to determine whether she committed the killings
- Second, to assess her mental state and potential criminal responsibility
The defense has indicated it plans to argue that Clancy was suffering from severe mental health issues, including postpartum-related conditions, at the time.
Judge’s decision
The judge ruled against splitting the trial, noting that the issues of guilt and mental responsibility are closely connected and involve overlapping evidence and witnesses.
What happens next
- The trial is expected to proceed as a single phase, with jurors hearing all evidence together
- Proceedings are scheduled to begin in July 2026
Clancy has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including murder and strangulation, in connection with the deaths of her children.
About the Author
