In a tragic turn of events, Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts labor and delivery nurse, allegedly strangled her three young children – Cora, Dawson, and Callan – to death before attempting to take her own life. Her husband, Patrick, has spoken out saying she was not a monster but was someone who had become sick. Lindsay had sought help for anxiety and insomnia following the birth of her youngest child. Despite reaching out to postpartum mental health specialists, she was diagnosed with severe generalized anxiety disorder. Patrick had taken Lindsay to the hospital after she expressed thoughts of wanting to die and of harming their children. She even spent time in an inpatient program but was released early after claiming she no longer had intrusive thoughts.
On the day of the tragedy, Patrick had been out running errands for the children when he came home to find the horrific scene. His wife had attempted suicide by jumping out of a window, and their children were found in the basement with exercise bands around their necks. Two of the children were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third passed away later in the hospital. Lindsay reportedly stated that a voice had commanded her to kill the children because it was her “last chance.” Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Patrick has remained in contact with his wife, who admits to researching ways to end her own life due to her struggles with suicidal thoughts.
Six months after the tragedy, Patrick reached out to Lindsay on her 33rd birthday after hearing that she was in a deteriorating mental state. She expressed deep regret and sadness over the loss of their children, which Patrick acknowledges some people may find difficult to understand. The couple has since had more frequent communication, with Lindsay revealing that her actions were not planned but rather a spontaneous decision. She explained that her internet searches for ways to kill were related to her own suicidal ideation rather than plans to harm others. Patrick has moved to New York City, selling the family home where the tragedy occurred.
Lindsay’s defense attorney plans to argue an insanity defense for her, while prosecutors believe that the killings may have been premeditated due to her interactions with mental health professionals and research into harmful methods. The date for Lindsay’s trial has not yet been set. Despite the devastating loss of their children and the trauma of that night, Patrick continues to hold conversations with his wife, seeking to understand the complex factors that led to the tragedy. He hopes to dispel any misinformation circulating about Lindsay’s case and their family. The aftermath of this heartbreaking event has left both Patrick and Lindsay grappling with profound grief and the desire to comprehend the events that led to the loss of their children.