Defense seeks investigation into juror who deadlocked Clancy trial
Defense seeks investigation into holdout juror Michael Desronvil; juror publicly defends himself and hires attorney.
Event / Politics
Lindsay Clancy Murder Trial
Ongoing legal proceedings in the Lindsay Clancy triple homicide case, including trial developments, jury deliberations, and procedural issues.
3 reported locations
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25 articles0 articles
2026-09-09 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 9 Sept, 08:30 UTC
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What happened
Defense attorney requests cell phone records of holdout juror Michael Desronvil
Lindsay Clancy's defense attorney Kevin Reddington filed a motion requesting that Judge William Sullivan order wireless carrier records for juror Michael P. Desronvil's cell phone during deliberations. Reddington claimed Desronvil used his phone during the seven-day deliberation period and asked for the juror's phone to be examined by a neutral examiner to review its data.
Defense attorney filed motion alleging Desronvil misrepresented information during jury selection
Kevin Reddington, Lindsay Clancy's defense attorney, filed a motion asking Judge William Sullivan to investigate juror Michael P. Desronvil, alleging he may have inaccurately completed jury questionnaires or provided misleading answers during the jury selection process.
Juror spokesperson claims court aware of multiple jurors' alleged social media activity during case
Ray Marcel claimed that the court was aware of allegations that multiple jurors had posted on social media and discussed the case with friends during deliberations. He referenced an allegation that an unidentified juror posted in a Karen Read Facebook group and argued that Desronvil was being singled out unfairly.
Holdout juror Desronvil claims he searched for legal and medical terms during deliberations
Michael P. Desronvil's spokesperson Ray Marcel stated on the YouTube program 'Fugitive TV' that Desronvil searched online for the terms 'psychosis' to verify its definition and 'altruistic filicide,' a phrase the juror had never encountered before. Marcel argued the jury instructions contained a gray area regarding whether jurors could look up unfamiliar words.
Judge reportedly instructed jurors to stop using electronic devices during Clancy deliberations
Ray Marcel claimed in a social media post that Judge William Sullivan had already instructed jurors to stop using electronic devices during deliberations after jurors had allegedly already been using their phones to look up definitions. Marcel asserted the judge's instruction came after unauthorized phone use had already occurred.
Juror Michael Desronvil alleges multiple jurors used cell phones during deliberations
Michael P. Desronvil, through his spokesperson Ray Marcel, claimed that multiple fellow jurors used their cell phones during the seven days of deliberations in the Clancy trial. Desronvil stated that other jurors allegedly posted on social media during deliberations and that no jurors were instructed to turn in their phones or lock them away.
Fellow juror Nick Dargie reported Desronvil scrolled phone and did not engage during deliberations
Juror Nick Dargie told ABC News that Michael P. Desronvil did not engage with other panelists and scrolled on his phone during the deliberation process. This account from a fellow juror was cited in the defense attorney's motion requesting Desronvil's phone records.
Massachusetts trial court rules prohibit jurors from using phones during trial and deliberations
Under Massachusetts' trial court system rules, jurors are allowed to keep their phones with them but are barred from using them during trial proceedings or deliberations. Judges have the authority to require jurors to turn in their phones before deliberations begin, though there is no indication Judge William Sullivan imposed such a requirement in the Clancy trial.
Lindsay Clancy mistrial declared due to hung jury on insanity verdict
A mistrial was declared in the Lindsay Clancy case after the jury deadlocked on whether to convict her of murdering her three children by reason of insanity due to severe postpartum psychosis. Juror Michael P. Desronvil was the sole holdout who refused to declare Clancy not guilty on the insanity defense, causing the hung jury.
Juror Michael Desronvil hires attorney Edward Paltzik to defend against investigation motion
Michael Desronvil hired attorney Edward Andrew Paltzik to represent him and respond to the defense motion requesting his investigation. Paltzik issued statements urging the public to respect Desronvil's privacy and dignity, asking people to stop calling him and attempting to locate his home. Paltzik warned that the investigation motion represented an attack on the U.S. Constitution and the Sixth Amendment right to jury service.
Jury foreperson and other jurors report holdout juror ignored reasonable doubt instructions
The jury foreperson reported to the judge that juror Michael Desronvil was refusing to apply the reasonable doubt standard during deliberations and had made statements suggesting doubt in the evidence but refused to apply this doubt to his verdict. Another juror, Nick Dargie, stated in interviews that Desronvil did not engage with fellow jurors and frequently scrolled on his phone during deliberations. Judge Sullivan questioned all jurors about their ability to follow the law but did not replace Desronvil.
Lindsay Clancy's defense attorney requests investigation into holdout juror Michael Desronvil
On September 18, 2026, defense attorney Kevin Reddington filed a motion requesting Judge William Sullivan conduct a limited inquiry into juror Michael Desronvil, the lone holdout who voted guilty. Reddington sought court-ordered review of Desronvil's questionnaire responses, his truthfulness during jury selection questioning, alleged use of a cellphone during deliberations, and background information including any prior criminal history. The motion requested cellphone carrier records and data from August 27 through September 4, 2026.
Holdout juror Michael Desronvil publicly identifies himself and defends his verdict
Michael Péguy Desronvil, a Black male juror and MAGA supporter from a Haitian immigrant family, publicly identified himself in a statement released September 18, 2026. He stated he had no doubts that Clancy was criminally responsible for her children's deaths and believed the evidence demonstrated she knew what she was doing and had planned the murders. Desronvil claimed he was interrupted during deliberations when attempting to explain different possible theories.
Defense attorney Martin Weinberg files motion to dismiss charges on double jeopardy grounds
Defense attorney Martin Weinberg filed a separate motion on September 22, 2026 (or shortly after the mistrial) asking Judge William Sullivan to dismiss all charges against Lindsay Clancy rather than proceed to a new trial. Weinberg argued the judge should have replaced Desronvil with an alternate juror during deliberations after the jury foreperson reported Desronvil was refusing to apply the reasonable doubt standard. Weinberg contended this would constitute double jeopardy protection.
Lindsay Clancy trial ends in mistrial after jury fails to reach unanimous verdict
On September 4, 2026, Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Eleven of the twelve jurors favored acquitting Clancy on the grounds of not guilty by reason of insanity due to postpartum psychosis, while one juror voted guilty. Clancy was accused of strangling her three children—ages 5, 3, and 8 months—with exercise bands in January 2023.
Plymouth County District Attorney has not decided whether to retry Lindsay Clancy
As of the articles' publication, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz had not yet decided whether to pursue a second trial against Lindsay Clancy following the mistrial. The next court hearing was scheduled for September 29, 2026. Clancy remains charged with murder and detained in a psychiatric hospital pending resolution of her case.
Patrick Clancy marries fertility doctor Rachel Danis
Patrick Clancy married Dr. Rachel Danis, a fertility doctor, in New York City in April 2026, approximately three-and-a-half years after the death of his three children.
Lindsay Clancy trial ends in mistrial over children's deaths
Lindsay Clancy's trial for the deaths of her three children ended in a mistrial in September 2026. She was charged with three counts of first-degree murder but did not deny killing her children. Her defense argued she should not be held criminally responsible due to severe postpartum depression and psychosis. The prosecution has not yet decided whether to pursue another trial.
Patrick Clancy's three children killed in January 2023 by their mother Lindsay Clancy
On January 24, 2023, Lindsay Clancy killed her three children—Cora (age 5), Dawson (age 3), and Callan (age 8 months)—by strangling them with exercise bands in the basement of their Massachusetts home. Patrick Clancy had left to pick up medicine and takeout food when the killings occurred. Cora and Dawson were found dead upon his return. Callan was airlifted to a children's hospital but died four days later.
Social media conspiracy theories circulate about Patrick Clancy's involvement
Following the mistrial in Lindsay Clancy's case, conspiracy theories circulated on social media suggesting Patrick Clancy was involved in his children's deaths rather than his ex-wife. Patrick's lawyer Howard Cooper issued statements and cease-and-desist notices to social media users posting defamatory content, stating the campaign of misinformation was being promoted by minor celebrities, influencers, and conspiracy theorists.
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2 alternative perspectives
Mistrial ends Clancy case; jury deadlocked 11-1 on insanity verdict
Mistrial declared after 11-1 jury deadlock; Patrick Clancy forgives, remarries, and pursues healthcare accountability.
Social media conspiracy theories emerge about Patrick Clancy's involvement
Unverified conspiracy theories about Patrick Clancy circulate on social media despite verified trial facts.
Family rebuilds after trial: forgiveness, foundation, and moving forward
Patrick Clancy remarries, forgives, and establishes foundation to address systemic healthcare failures.
Mistrial concludes after jury deadlocks on insanity verdict
Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks 11-1; Patrick Clancy remarries and forgives; malpractice lawsuits filed.
Undiagnosed postpartum psychosis emerges as accountability focus in Clancy case
Undiagnosed postpartum psychosis and malpractice lawsuits highlight healthcare accountability gaps in the Clancy case.
Patrick Clancy moves forward: forgiveness, remarriage after tragedy
Patrick Clancy grants first interview stating forgiveness and announces remarriage to Dr. Rachel Denis.
Mistrial declared in Clancy case after jury deadlock
Mistrial declared after jury deadlocked 11-1 on insanity verdict, with one juror blocking consensus despite acknowledging reasonable doubt.
Trial evidence disputes whether Clancy was mentally capable during crimes
Jury split over whether defendant's apparent coherency proved she could be held criminally responsible.
Jury dysfunction emerges: holdout juror recreated crime, ignored instructions
Deliberating juror recreated crime method and ignored reasonable doubt instructions, causing mistrial.
Court examines how exercise bands were used in January 2023 killings
Trial evidence documented exercise bands as the cause of death in the three children's killings.
One juror's unexplained vote halts Lindsay Clancy trial proceedings
One juror's unexplained holdout vote deadlocked the jury 11-1, forcing a mistrial in the Clancy case.