Young mother Lindsay Clancy, alleged to have killed two of her children, 5-year-old Cora and 3-year-old Dawson, and severely injured an 8-month-old infant, reportedly attempted suicide shortly afterward by jumping out a second-story window January 24 in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
Reports now are surfacing that indicate that 32-year-old Clancy, a labor and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, may have suffered from postpartum anxiety following the birth of her youngest son. In July, Clancy allegedly posted on social media about her struggles and how her mental health had improved in the six weeks since her third child was born, according to the Boston Globe.
The Globe wrote that Clancy was open about her previous postpartum struggles and that she shared in a now-private Facebook post that she was finally “dialed in” again. The news outlet reported she was focusing on exercise and nutrition, as well as her mindset. She shared, “it has made all the difference.”
Clancy's life seemed perfect from the outside.
Before the recent tragedy, Clancy was a labor and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to her Facebook page.
The hospital released a statement obtained by the Globe that reads, “We are shocked and saddened to learn of this unthinkable tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by these devastating events.”
The Globe reported that according to state records, Clancy received her nursing license in 2014 and held a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.
They Clancys appeared to be a happy family.
Photos on Facebook paint a picture of a happy family. Lindsay Clancy married Patrick Clancy, and the couple shared three children. Town records show the couple had purchased a home for $500,000 at 47 Summer Street in Duxbury, in 2018, according to the Globe.
She shared photos of her children publicly. In June 2022, she showed off Cora and Dawson holding their then-newborn brother, Calen. Family and friends expressed their joy for her in the comments.
In the wake of the alleged murder-suicide attempt, many people have shared the very same photo of the children, now expressing their sadness for the entire family.
Clancy reportedly was actively treating her postpartum anxiety.
The New York Post reported that a family friend told radio host John DePetro that Clancy was in treatment.
According to the source, she was attending “a very intensive five-day-a-week program for PPD, trying to get help.” Additionally, her husband, Patrick Clancy, had converted to a home office instead of a commute to help support his wife. DePetro said Patrick Clancy left his home on Tuesday to grab some food, but while he was gone, tragedy struck.
“And in the 25 minutes it took him to pick up take out, the unthinkable happened,” DePetro tweeted.
Cora and Dawson were rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead Tuesday night. The infant was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, and Lindsay Clancy was found by emergency responders and taken to a local hospital.
She's now facing murder charges.
Lindsay Clancy was put in police custody Wednesday night and is accused of strangling her children to death, according to the Globe. She 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, Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz said in a news conference.
“I cannot begin to fathom the pain, the depths of pain” the family must be feeling, Cruz said. He did not provide any information about a motive.
Friends of the family have been reaching out to help Patrick Clancy.
A GoFundMe account has been created to aid Patrick Clancy as he tries to rebuild his life.
“This assistance is especially needed because Pat will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as he weathers this painful, life-altering tragedy," the fundraiser description reads. "We all know Pat to be the most kind and genuine person. As someone who is always willing to support others, we sincerely thank you for offering yours.”
Supporters have come out in droves to help the devastated father.
“As a fellow MGH nurse and a mom who suffered post partum depression, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Clancy Family. Hugs to each and every one of you," someone wrote. "I only hope that people become aware and educate themselves about PPD/PPP. It is real!”
“As a new mom and BCH nurse, I cannot begin to process the unimaginable loss you are experiencing. As heartbroken as every other woman in a similar position surely is, this heartbreak cannot compare to that of the Clancy family,” another person commented.
The account has raised more than $420,000 of a $700,000 goal thus far. Additionally, a prayer vigil was held for the family Thursday night. During the service, the Rev. Robert J. Deehan said Lindsay Clancy suffered "overwhelming mental illness," according to the Patriot Ledger.
Lindsay Clancy remains in the hospital at this time. Her infant son, Calen, is reportedly still hospitalized and in critical condition.
