Plymouth Court: Defense seeks dismissal of triple homicide charges

Lindsay Clancy appeared in Plymouth Superior Court on Monday to argue for the dismissal of the charges that she killed her three young children in 2023.

The hearing marked the second judicial proceeding since a jury failed to reach a verdict in September. Defense counsel Kevin Reddington moved to dismiss the case on double jeopardy grounds, asserting that the jury deadlock resulted from procedural errors by Judge William Sullivan.

Reddington urged the court to investigate juror Michael Desronvil, the lone holdout who voted against conviction. The defense attorney questioned Desronvil’s use of a cellphone during deliberations and alleged he failed to disclose criminal history during selection. Reddington publicly named the juror, stating the identity was already known online, despite Sullivan’s objections.

Sullivan intervened repeatedly as the exchange grew loud, calling the attorneys to a sidebar. "Why don’t we all dial this back a little bit," Sullivan said before pausing the proceedings. The judge did not issue a ruling on the motion to dismiss at the conclusion of the hearing.

Prosecutor Jennifer Sprague argued that Sullivan handled the jury correctly by speaking with all members and confirming they could apply the law to the facts. She contended that further questioning would have intruded into the private deliberations. Sprague told Sullivan, "You credited their answers," adding that the Commonwealth is not barred from seeking justice for the victims.

Clancy, 36, has maintained that postpartum psychosis prevented her from controlling her behavior. Prosecutors acknowledge her mental health issues but assert she acted deliberately and understood her actions were wrong. Sullivan scheduled a follow-up hearing for Nov. 16 and indicated a retrial could begin in March.

The court also heard arguments on a proposed gag order to limit public statements by attorneys. Reddington has held frequent news conferences, while prosecutors have remained silent to reporters. Defense attorney Heather O’Connor, representing Desronvil, disputed the phone allegations, noting jurors were permitted to keep their devices. She warned that investigating a juror solely for not voting with the majority would set a difficult precedent for future trials.