Psychologist testifies Lindsay Clancy was not criminally responsible in killing of her 3 children

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A psychologist testifying for the defense at Lindsay Clancy's murder trial on Wednesday claimed that Clancy did not understand the "wrongfulness" of killing her three children due to her mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder and a rare mental illness called postpartum psychosis.

Paul Zeizel, the psychologist, began seeing Clancy as a patient after the tragic events. He stated that Clancy was unable to comply with the law and had no comprehension of her actions' wrongdoing. Zeizel emphasized that she was suffering from a mental disease or defect.

Clancy, 36, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the deaths of her three children, aged between 8 months and 5 years. Prosecutors allege that Clancy planned the January 2023 killings and manipulated her husband into leaving the house by sending him to get medicine and dinner for their children.

During the trial, Zeizel shared that Clancy visited a perinatal clinic in December 2022, expressing feelings of a "damaged brain," a desire to kill herself, and uncertainty about ever getting better. He noted that she displayed signs of psychosis, paranoia, and fear that people could hear her thoughts and that she would lose her children. Zeizel stated that Clancy's concern for her children's removal and inability to see them again were evident.

However, Zeizel also acknowledged that Clancy could still perform everyday tasks, such as going to the doctor, playing in the snow with her children, and searching the internet. He questioned whether Clancy's level of consciousness during the killings should be doubted based on her ability to perform such tasks.

In cross-examination, prosecutors challenged Zeizel's credibility, questioned his objectivity due to his dual role as her patient and defense expert, and raised doubts about the seriousness of Clancy's suicide attempt. They also pointed out discrepancies in Zeizel's report regarding Clancy's medical records.

If convicted of murder, Clancy faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If found not guilty due to insanity, she would not be held criminally responsible for the murders.