Lindsay Clancy's mental illness led to tragedy, psychologist says
A psychologist testified in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, arguing that she suffered from postpartum psychosis and could not appreciate the wrongfulness of her actions. The defense is using this to argue against criminal responsibility for the deaths of her three children.
Why it matters
The case brings national attention to the severity of postpartum mental health conditions and the legal complexities of insanity defenses in criminal law.
By MICHAEL CASEY Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] --> Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. --> Share
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Lindsay Clancy didn’t appreciate the “wrongfulness” of killing her three children because of her mental health issues, a psychologist testifying for the defense said at her murder trial Wednesday.
The testimony of Paul Zeizel is the strongest evidence yet to support the defense contentions that Clancy should not be held legally responsible for murder because she has bipolar disorder and was in the grip of a rare mental illness called postpartum psychosis when she killed her three children before trying to kill herself. Zeizel began seeing Clancy as a patient at a hospital after the deaths.
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