Former Duxbury resident Patrick Clancy sat down with “60 Minutes” to speak about the recent mistrial in the murder case of his ex‑wife, Lindsay Clancy, and the heartbreaking loss of their three children. The interview, aired Sunday, placed the family’s tragedy in the broader context of perinatal mental‑health awareness.
Background of the case
In January 2023, the children – 5‑year‑old Cora, 3‑year‑old Dawson and 8‑month‑old Callan – were found dead in the family home in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Lindsay Clancy pleaded not guilty to three counts of first‑degree murder, with her defense arguing she suffered from postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings. Prosecutors maintained that she knew right from wrong and was criminally responsible.
Patrick Clancy’s recollections
Clancy said he first noticed his wife’s struggle in October 2022 when she went several nights without sleep. By December, she was experiencing “a huge lack of sleep, deep, deep depression, intrusive thoughts” and was hospitalized. “I didn’t know how to manage a postpartum illness,” he said, adding that mental illness can be “tragically deceptive.”
He recalled the night the children were discovered, noting that Callan survived for four days after being taken to Boston Children’s Hospital. “I’m so grateful for those four days that I had with him,” Clancy said, describing how he held his son before he passed.
Forgiveness and moving forward
Clancy said he has chosen to forgive Lindsay, despite never hearing her ask for forgiveness. He criticized sensational headlines that labeled her a “killer mom” or “monster,” insisting that her mental illness was the driving factor.
After the tragedy, Clancy’s life “came to a screeching halt.” He eventually left Duxbury for New York City, where the anonymity helped him grieve. He also spoke about ongoing lawsuits filed by both parties against the health‑care providers who treated Lindsay, which the providers have denied.
Impact of misinformation
Clancy warned that online conspiracy theories and false accusations distract from the real issue: perinatal mental‑health care. “It’s deeply harmful to the legacy of my children,” he said, urging the public to focus on supporting families facing similar challenges.
Personal healing
He disclosed that he has struggled with suicidal thoughts and panic attacks since the deaths, but has found support in his new marriage to Dr. Rachel Danis, whom he met through a running club in New York. The couple married in April 2024 and hope to start a family, with Clancy saying he looks forward to sharing memories of his late children with future kids.
Legal next steps
Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial on Sept. 4 after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Jurors later reported an 11‑1 split favoring a not‑guilty‑by‑reason‑of‑insanity verdict, with one holdout juror believing the evidence proved criminal intent. A hearing is set for Sept. 29 to determine the case’s next phase.
For anyone experiencing a mental‑health crisis, the 988 Lifeline is available 24/7.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
