Patrick Clancy has spoken publicly following the declaration of a mistrial in Lindsay Clancy’s case, describing the possibility of facing a second trial over the deaths of the couple’s three young children as “extraordinarily painful.”
In a statement released through his attorney, David Meier, Patrick expressed appreciation for the court and the jury, acknowledging their effort, dedication and endurance throughout the proceedings. “The loss of Patrick’s children is something from which he will never recover and from which there will never be closure,” Meier wrote on his behalf.
The statement added that the thought of having to revisit the devastating events in another courtroom proceeding would be deeply painful “for Patrick, for his family, and for all us.”
Patrick Clancy has previously urged the public to show forgiveness toward his ex-wife, who has admitted to killing their children: 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan. Lindsay Clancy’s defense team has maintained that she was legally insane at the time, citing postpartum psychosis.
Patrick Clancy testifies during Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial on July 29, 2026. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
While on the witness stand, Patrick recounted the events of Jan. 24, 2023, the day prosecutors say the children were killed. He had left the home to run errands, including buying children’s stool softener at CVS and picking up takeout for dinner. He and Lindsay spoke by phone while he was away.
On Friday afternoon, Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial in the closely watched Massachusetts murder case after jurors reported they could not agree on a unanimous verdict. Prosecutors will now decide whether to pursue a retrial.
Jurors had deliberated for a week at Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as supporters, media members and members of the public gathered outside the courthouse awaiting a decision.
The mistrial followed an alleged 11-1 divide among jurors, with Clancy’s defense arguing that the lone holdout juror had acknowledged doubt but was refusing to properly apply the court’s instructions on reasonable doubt.
Lindsay Clancy looks on as jurors enter the courtroom during Clancy’s murder trial at the Plymouth County Superior Court in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on Sept. 4, 2026. (Greg Derr / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
The alleged holdout is believed to be one of the three male jurors. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington repeatedly referred to the unnamed juror as a male inside and outside court.
Clancy’s attorneys made an emergency appeal to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in an attempt to stay the mistrial and force further inquiry into the juror.
Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial after the jury in the case were unable to reach a verdict on Sept. 4, 2026, in Plymouth, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)
Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt denied the request Friday afternoon, and shortly after, Sullivan declared a mistrial.
Sullivan said he wants the case retried “sooner rather than later,”, suggesting a new trial could potentially take place later this fall. Clancy is due back in court Sept. 29 for a status hearing, trial assignment and a defense Rule 25 motion.
