Lindsay Clancy holdout juror breaks silence, says he didn't have 'any doubts' of her guilt
The lone juror who wanted to convict Lindsay Clancy of murder for killing her three children said he was certain of her guilt, but that other jurors wouldn’t listen to him, according to a statement released by his lawyer Friday in his first public comments on the case.
Clancy's trial for the killing of her 3 children ended in a mistrial
The Associated Press
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WARNING: This article contains details about violence against children and attempted suicide.
The lone juror who wanted to convict Lindsay Clancy of murder for killing her three children said he was certain of her guilt, but that other jurors wouldn't listen to him, according to a statement released by his lawyer Friday in his first public comments on the case.
Eleven of 12 jurors were ready to clear Clancy of criminal responsibility, with the majority feeling that the Massachusetts mom was in the grip of a rare condition called postpartum psychosis when she strangled her kids. But juror Michael Desronvil sided with the prosecutors, who had argued that Clancy knew what she was doing.
"I didn't have any doubts," Desronvil said in a statement released on X by his lawyer, Edward Paltzik.
The jury's foreperson had claimed in an earlier media interview that Desronvil had admitted having "reasonable doubt" about Clancy's guilt, but wanted to convict her anyway. Desronvil said that wasn't true.
"As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence presented," he wrote.
"Based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses, and what the prosecution presented, I thought it was enough proof that [Clancy] knew exactly what she was doing and planned."
The Plymouth County district attorney has yet to say whether he'll seek to put Clancy on trial again.
WATCH | Lindsay Clancy trial was an 'impossible case':
‘Impossible case’: Breaking down the Lindsay Clancy mistrial
September 4|
Duration
5:33
The National’s Erica Johnson asks attorney and professor Margo Lindauer to break down why a mistrial was declared in the Lindsay Clancy case and what could happen next.Juror has been praised and scorned
Neither side disputed that Clancy strangled her children, Cora, Dawson and Callan, in the family's home in 2023 before trying to end her own life. But her attorney said she was a loving mother experiencing deep delusions and other mental health problems, for which she had been getting treatment.
Since the trial ended, Desronvil has been both publicly praised and scorned for his actions, and his personal life and past financial and legal problems have become the subject of scrutiny by the news media and amateur sleuths.
Among the public revelations: He had a restraining order against him at the time of jury selection and was facing eviction from his apartment due to over $12,000 US in unpaid rent. He also was accused of domestic violence in 2021, a charge that was later dismissed.
Some of the opinion has fallen along political lines, with Desronvil being praised by some conservative pundits as a hero.
Will Lindsay Clancy face a new trial? What's next after mistrial declared
Lindsay Clancy's lawyer asks judge to find her not guilty of murder following mistrial
Paltzik, whose past clients have included U.S. President Donald Trump and Martin Shkreli, said on X that Desronvil was in "an undisclosed secure location" in a rural part of northern New England and would not be giving interviews.
"As a devoted father and man of God, he will not be defeated or shattered by the wicked who wish harm upon him," Paltzik wrote.
A fundraiser to cover what organizers say are costs of "security, lawyers, and lost work" for Desronvil has raised over $289,000 US.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has rolled out the welcome mat for him, saying that if he is being harassed, "Florida will provide asylum."
“I'm sure he'd be welcomed and appreciated,” DeSantis wrote on X.
WATCH | Judge declares mistrial in Lindsay Clancy trial:
Judge declares mistrial in Lindsay Clancy murder trial
September 4|
Duration
10:44
A Massachusetts judge has officially declared a mistrial in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy after a jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision. Clancy, 36, is accused of strangling her three children in 2023. Courtroom Insider producer Grace Wong followed the case for 7 weeks — she describes ‘one of the most dramatic days’ in a court room.If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help:
- Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
- Provincial and territorial mental health support.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.
- This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.
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