Prosecution psychologist questioned acute psychosis in Clancy case
Forensic psychologist Kirk Heilbrun, called by the prosecution in the case of Lindsay Clancy, said he does not believe she was experiencing acute psychosis at the time of the deaths of her three children in 2023. As The Guardian reports, the expert also questioned Clancy’s claim about a voice that allegedly told her to do it.
According to the publication, Heilbrun conducted psychiatric testing of Clancy in April. He said that the episode she described would be a “very, very unusual” manifestation of such a condition. In the psychologist’s view, Clancy killed the children because she planned to die by suicide and did not want to leave them behind so that they would not “suffer” after her death.
Positions of the prosecution and defense
Clancy, 36, pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering her three children: eight-month-old Callan, three-year-old Dawson, and five-year-old Cora. According to prosecutors, the former maternity ward nurse planned the killings and arranged for her husband to leave the house—supposedly to buy medicine for one of the children and dinner for the family.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington insists that Clancy had postpartum psychosis at the time of the incident and should not be held criminally responsible. The defense has also cited bipolar disorder and excessive medication treatment. After the children’s deaths, Clancy allegedly jumped from a second-floor window, The Guardian reported; she is paralyzed below the waist.
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Expert testimony
Last week, forensic psychiatrist Philip Resnick, a defense witness, said that Clancy was “clearly psychotic” on the day of the children’s deaths and was not in control of her actions. Psychologist Paul Zeizel also concluded that she did not understand the wrongfulness of her actions.
By contrast, psychiatrist Avram Mack, who testified for the prosecution, found no signs of psychosis, mania, or hypomania in the period before the incident. He acknowledged that Clancy had a severe mental disorder but believed she could control her impulses and understand the wrongfulness of her actions. Heilbrun said he diagnosed her with bipolar II disorder, although he described the diagnosis as difficult because of the numerous diagnoses and symptoms in her medical records.
Judge William Sullivan denied the defense’s motion for a mistrial after Heilbrun mentioned Clancy’s Catholic upbringing. At the same time, the judge instructed jurors not to consider that part of the testimony, calling it improper. The parties are expected to deliver closing arguments this week, after which the case will be handed to the jury.
