Patrick Clancy faces Lindsay Clancy in court, details wife’s mental health before children’s deaths. [QnsR1nm16F9]
Clancy testified that Lindsay went to the emergency department at Massachusetts General Hospital on December 31, 2022, because she was continuing to express suicidal thoughts. “I was exhausted. I said, I think it’s time to go to McLean,” Patrick Clancy told jurors, referring to the Massachusetts psychiatric hospital. He said the family did not yet have a diagnosis and hoped McLean would be able to evaluate Lindsay and determine the best path forward. Massachusetts General Hospital transferred Lindsay to McLean Hospital around 3 a.m. on January 1, 2023, according to Patrick Clancy’s testimony. While visiting her there, he said Lindsay described her experience as though she was not receiving much treatment. He explained that because she was admitted over a weekend and a holiday, she did not meet with a doctor until several days later. During that time, he said she spent her days coloring, playing with clay, and going on walks. Patrick Clancy testified he was unaware that Lindsay had been offered daily individual therapy, participated in multiple group therapy sessions, and requested to be discharged from the facility. On the stand, Patrick became emotional while describing his three children. He told jurors that 5-year-old Cora loved princesses, had many friends, and enjoyed caring for others. He described 3-year-old Dawson as a child who loved firefighters, trucks, and Paw Patrol. Their youngest child, 8-month-old Callan, was described as “just a happy baby.” Prosecutors showed jurors a photo of the three siblings cuddled together on a couch in pajamas. Patrick Clancy testified that after Lindsay was discharged from McLean Hospital on January 5, 2023, he checked on her every day leading up to the deaths of their children. He said Lindsay attended Cora’s birthday party on January 7, and in the weeks that followed he regularly asked about her mood, sleep, and whether she was still experiencing suicidal thoughts. Patrick testified Lindsay told him she was no longer having suicidal thoughts and never told him she was having thoughts of harming their children. Earlier in his testimony, Patrick said Lindsay had disclosed about two months before the killings that she was experiencing “intrusive thoughts” about harming their children. Patrick told jurors that by January 2023, he felt hopeful after several family outings. He described trips to a science museum, a restaurant, and an indoor water park in Hyannis, saying Lindsay appeared more engaged and like herself. At the museum, he said Lindsay interacted with the children and showed them how exhibits worked. At the Charlie Horse restaurant, which he described as a family-oriented place with games, he said her demeanor was “good.” During the water park trip, Patrick testified that Lindsay appeared well enough that he felt comfortable leaving her with their infant son Callan while he took their older children into the pool area. “She was more active, and she was able … to partake in more things,” he testified. Patrick also recalled the final day before the killings, saying Lindsay spent time with the children, played with them, built a snowman, and completed art projects while he worked in the basement. Earlier that day, Lindsay took Cora to a doctor’s appointment. Patrick testified he texted her a photo of Dawson after the 3-year-old dressed himself completely for the first time. After returning home, Patrick said Lindsay continued spending time with the children and appeared to be in a good mood. “She was having one of her best days,” he testified. Patrick said Lindsay did not tell him she was experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming the children that day. Judge William F. Sullivan ended proceedings shortly after 3 p.m., with Patrick Clancy still testifying about the events leading up to the deaths of his children. Court will be recessed Tuesday, and Patrick Clancy is expected to continue his testimony Wednesday morning.