An infant has died after allegedly being harmed by his mother. Lindsay Clancy, 32, is accused of killing 8-month-old Callan as well as her two other children, 5-year-old daughter Cora and 3-year-old son Dawson. After allegedly strangling the children, authorities believe Lindsay Clancy jumped out a window in an attempted suicide January 24 at the family's home in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Lindsay reportedly suffered from postpartum anxiety that may have contributed to the tragic chain of events.
Lindsay's husband, Patrick Clancy, left the family's home for a short time last week to pick up food, and when he returned, he found the older children unresponsive and the infant severely injured. Emergency personnel took Cora and Dawson to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead. According to People, Callan was air-lifted to a hospital with severe injuries and died on January 27.
Lindsay Clancy reportedly struggled with postpartum anxiety.
The mother of three, a labor and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, may have suffered postpartum anxiety after the birth of Callan, the Boston Globe initially reported.
In July, she allegedly made social media posts referencing her mental health, indicating that she was "dialed in" and that changing her exercise and nutrition routines "made all the difference."
Her family was shocked by the killings.
The children's great-grandmother, Rita Musgrove, left flowers at the family's home. She told NBC Boston, "It's a pretty shocking thing, and it is heartbreaking." Musgrave and the children's aunt, Donna Jesse, have struggled to process what has happened.
"They were just beautiful, beautiful children. Well cared for — they were just beautiful, that's it. They had a beautiful life," Musgrove said.
The family's life appeared idyllic, with lots of pictures of happier days posted on social media.
Patrick Clancy has posted a lengthy statement regarding the loss of his family.
He began with a thank you to those who have supported him in the last few horrific days. He explained that you can never be mentally ready when life throws this kind of curve ball.
"A lot of people have said they can't imagine and they're right, there's absolutely nothing that can prepare you. The shock and pain is excruciating and relentless. I'm constantly reminded of them and with the little sleep I get, I dream about them on repeat," he wrote and had a friend post to a GoFundMe page set up for the family. "Any parent knows, it's impossible to understand how much you will love your kids until you have them. The same goes for understanding the devastation of losing them. Cora, Dawson, and Callan were the essence of my life and I'm completely lost without them."
The father wrote sweet dedications to his family.
He also shared personal anecdotes about each child on the GoFund Me page, including, "Cora had an infectious laugh and was stunningly beautiful. She was the cautious one, but it was really because she was so caring.
"Dawson had beautiful, bold, brown eyes that beamed with friendship," he continued. "He was naturally humorous and generous beyond the norm of a typical toddler, always willing to share his toys with others. For all the love he received, he always gave back more."
And for Callan he wrote this: "Callan died with enormous courage despite being so little. Maybe it was his way of demonstrating what I need to do to press forward. I'll always try to draw inspiration from him. He'll always be my little hero."
Patrick Clancy wants people to understand that, at her core, his wife is a good person.
He wrote that she is being judged in the court of public opinion by strangers who do not know her. The couple had a marriage that he called "wonderful and diametrically grew stronger as her condition rapidly worsened."
The couple had been working through Lindsay Clancy's mental health challenges together and never lost their love for each other.
"She loved being a nurse, but nothing matched her intense love for our kids and dedication to being a mother," Patrick Clancy wrote on the GoFund Me page. "It was all she ever wanted. Her passion taught me how to be a better father."
Patrick Clancy hopes that people can forgive Lindsay.
In his statement, he wrote, "I want to ask all of you that you find it deep within yourselves to forgive Lindsay, as I have. The real Lindsay was generously loving and caring towards everyone — me, our kids, family, friends, and her patients. The very fibers of her soul are loving. All I wish for her now is that she can somehow find peace."
Patrick Clancy vows to heal with his community's help and remember that "Love always wins." The GoFund Me has surpassed its $1 million goal.
Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz addressed the media in a news conference last week and confirmed that Lindsay Clancy faces several charges, including two counts of murder, three counts of strangulation or suffocation, and three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Authorities have not filed additional charges in Callan's death. Lindsay Clancy is in police custody while hospitalized.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
