A forensic psychologist testifying for the defense said Wednesday that Lindsay Clancy was not criminally responsible when she killed her three children, concluding that she was unable to appreciate the “wrongfulness” of her actions. Paul Zeizel testified that, in his opinion, Clancy had a mental illness or defect and was unable to conform her behavior to the law. His testimony concluded Wednesday before proceedings were cut short and jurors were sent home due to what Judge William Sullivan called an “unforeseen circumstance.” The judge also ruled that a TikTok creator sought as a defense witness could not testify.
After an undisclosed delay Wednesday morning, forensic psychologist Dr. Paul Zeizel returned to the stand. He previously testified that Clancy described hearing a male voice ordering her to kill her children and then herself.
On Wednesday, Zeizel testified for the defense that Clancy had “bipolar disorder with postpartum psychosis,” and was unable to conform her behavior to the law. She had “no appreciation for the wrongfulness of her act,” Zeizel told defense attorney Kevin Reddington. Zeizel described her symptoms as consistent with postpartum psychosis, including depression and hearing things.
In cross-examination, prosecutors pointed to Clancy’s “normal” behavior on anniversaries and children's birthdays. They also argued she has not heard voices since the 2023 incident and intrusive thoughts documented in medical records were not described as “voices,” but as feelings of wanting to die. Zeizel testified that Clancy speaks often about her three children.
"She really loved them, she misses them, and she thinks of them every single day, almost every moment of the day," he said. A TikTok creator and licensed clinical social worker will not be allowed to testify for the defense after the judge held a voir dire outside the presence of the jury. Emily Thorndike, who previously worked at McLean Hospital, was sought as a defense witness after posting TikTok videos disputing testimony about staffing and treatment practices at the psychiatric facility where Clancy was admitted on Dec. 31, 2022.
Thorndike testified during the voir dire that she had followed the trial online before defense attorney Kevin Reddington contacted her about potentially appearing as a witness. She said descriptions of staffing at McLean during weekends and holidays did not match her experience working there. Prosecutors challenged the relevance of her proposed testimony and her credibility.
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