Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mom accused of killing her three children and trying to take her own life, is reportedly still hospitalized but "improving daily." The 32-year-old from Duxbury allegedly killed her 5-year-old daughter, Cora, and 3-year-old son, Dawson, on January 24.
The children were airlifted to an area hospital with signs of severe trauma and later pronounced dead. Clancy also is accused of killing her 8-month-old son, Callan, who was initially taken to an area hospital alive but with serious injuries, and he died days later.
After the death of his third child, Patrick Clancy, Lindsay's husband, pleaded with the community to forgive his wife, who had reportedly been suffering severe mental health difficulties prior to what happened. Even though her husband said she was receiving intense treatment, it is believed her postpartum anxiety may have contributed to the tragedy at the couple's home.
Lindsay Clancy is reportedly still in an area hospital.
Very few details have been released about the mother since last week's tragic chain of events. Authorities gave a brief update to NBC10 Boston via an emailed statement.
"I don't know the current condition of Mrs. Clancy," Duxbury Police Chief Michael Carbone said. "I do know she is improving daily and has spoken to family and friends."
Her condition is still very serious.
"She canāt get out of bed. She canāt walk. I donāt know what the medical prognosis is regarding that, but right now, she cannot walk,ā Kevin J. Reddington, Lindsay Clancy's defense attorney, told the Boston Globe. āSheās not in good physical shape. Sheās not in good emotional shape. … She is not going to get out of bed and walk out of the room."
Lindsay Clancy, however, is still being monitored by sheriff's deputies 24/7. Although the Duxbury police chief said she has been able to speak with family and friends, Reddington told the Globe that she has not been allowed to do so.
Lindsay's defense attorney claims that she was 'overmedicated.'
Reddington also spoke about both her condition before the incident and her current medical condition.
"The medications that were prescribed were over the top, absolutely over the top," he said, according to the Globe, explaining that between October and January, she had been prescribed 12 medications and that they were "turning her into a zombie." He indicated that he believes the medications may have been responsible for her homicidal and suicidal thoughts.
The Duxbury community is shaken.
The Clancy family tragedy appears to have affected every facet of the tight-knit community. Community leaders and emergency personnel have shared their grief.
"I want to make sure everyone knows we have felt your love and support over the last week and we are humbled by it. We have had meals delivered from so many people, handwritten notes, cards of support, and visits from community helpers," Hingham Fire Chief Rob Reardon wrote on Facebook. "Our phones have been overflowing with messages of encouragement and thanks. There were so many random acts of kindness that we could fill a book with. The community and beyond has helped tremendously. We are proud to be your firefighters."
Town Manager Rene Reed told NBC 10 that it was challenging to read Patrick Clancy's recent statement, and he choked up. Patrick Clancy's resilience is helping Duxbury heal.
"Patrick's comments have provided a tremendous amount of comfort for those wondering how to handle their emotions. He's provided a beacon of light," Reed said.
Lindsay Clancy's case is helping to shed light on mental illness.
Melanie O'Neal, owner of Rustic Manor in Hanover, Massachusetts, was inspired to help the cause. She joined the Blue Dot Project and is making signs, with 100% of the proceeds going to maternal mental health, per 5 ABC.
"The blue dot symbolizes (that) it's a safe space to talk to me about maternal mental health," O'Neil said. The blue dot represents solidarity in destroying the shame associated with mental health struggles, according to the Blue Dot Project website.
Friends established a GoFundMe page for Patrick Clancy.
To ease some of the anguish he is experiencing, friends organized a GoFundMe account to help Patrick Clancy. The fund has amassed more than $1 million in donations in just a week.
"No amount of words can express the pain that you and your family are dealing with. Please know that you/your family is in our thoughts, and we are sending our deepest sympathy, prayers, and blessings to all of you," one donor wrote.
"Pat, my deepest condolences. I am devastated for you beyond words," another person shared. "Praying for healing for Lindsay, and for you. You are a wonderful person and your children are so blessed to have had you as their father."
Patrick Clancy issued a lengthy statement earlier this week on the GFM page that read in part:
"I promise I'll put all my energy into healing and rediscovering my purpose. I owe that to all of you, Duxbury fire and police, our compassionate healthcare workers, our local faith leaders, the Microsoft community, and especially Cora, Dawson, and Callan. I don't know how or when I'll be able to do it, but your love and generosity will help me get started. I know that love always wins."
Both Lindsay and Patrick Clancy have been faced with criticism online.
Although the Clancy tragedy has opened up a nationwide conversation about maternal mental health and postpartum depression with what seems like the majority attempting to spread awareness, many people are still conflicted about the case and have taken to Twitter and Facebook to express their unease.
"Her husband knew what she was going through so why did he leave her alone with the kids? This story makes me sick," reads a comment on CafeMom's I Love Being a Mom Facebook page.
"I have a real question. If someone is psychotic and out of their mind, how would they be sane and rational enough to wait until their husband left to do this awful thing? I am truly wondering this," read another comment.
"This loser asking people to forgive her, God is the only thing that could do that. How could you utter those words after losing your children," someone else commented. "Hope She gets the death sentence. Even at best and you use the mental health excuse… Ok then she needs to be eliminated from society. What purpose does a baby killer serve in society?"
Maternal mental health disorders can be devastating.
According to the Blue Dot Project, the No. 1 complication of childbirth is maternal mental illness difficulties such as postpartum depression.
"Maternal Mental Health (MMH) disorders include a range of disorders and symptoms, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and psychosis. These disorders and symptoms can occur during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period (together often referred to as the perinatal period)," the organization notes on its website.
There is help for mothers experiencing maternal mental health disorders, and women are encouraged to contact their doctors or call the Health Resources & Services Administration's National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
Women can call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to connect with counselors at the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
