Attorney Kevin Reddington has asked President Donald Trump to consider a pardon for Lindsay Clancy, the mother accused of killing her three children, following a recent mistrial in her case. During an interview on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, Reddington appealed to the president to consider Clancy's mental state and personal history.
Mistrial Follows Lengthy Trial
The request for clemency comes after a five-week trial for Clancy ended in a mistrial on Sept. 4, after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict following more than a week of deliberations. Clancy pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her 5-year-old daughter Cora, 3-year-old son Dawson, and infant son Callan at the family home in Duxbury, a suburb of Boston, on Jan. 24, 2023.
Attorney Expresses Frustration
Reddington expressed frustration regarding the outcome of the trial, specifically citing information provided by the jury foreperson. Reddington stated he was upset after learning that a lone male juror held out despite reportedly agreeing that doubt existed, though he claimed the juror refused to present the legal standard of reasonable doubt as instructed by the judge.
Seeking Prosecution Agreement
In his interview, Reddington voiced hope for a potential agreement between the defense team and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz. Reddington described Cruz as a "hard-charging prosecutor" and a "conservative gentleman," but suggested that after reviewing the evidence presented by both the government and the defense, Cruz might revisit the decision to pursue a retrial.
Mental Health Defense Focus
The defense's strategy has centered heavily on Clancy's mental health during the events in question. Much of the testimony focused on whether Clancy was suffering from postpartum psychosis—a condition classified as a psychiatric emergency by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists—when she allegedly strangled her children and attempted to take her own life.
Defense Challenges Insanity Defense Label
Reddington argued that critics who view the insanity defense as a mere rationalization fail to understand the reality of Clancy's experience. He noted that the jury did not see the full extent of her distress, including her text messages, journal entries, and notes. According to Reddington, Clancy had repeatedly reached out to others for help, stating, "I am not good. I am not well."
Jurisdictional Limitations on Pardon
Legal experts and the U.S. Department of Justice have noted significant legal hurdles to a presidential pardon in this case. Because Clancy was charged with state offenses in Massachusetts, she is not eligible for a presidential pardon, which is strictly limited to federal offenses. To seek relief, she would need to appeal to state authorities in Massachusetts.
Next Legal Steps Pending
President Trump has previously commented on the case, noting that he has been following the coverage because it has been frequently televised. While acknowledging the severity of the crime, the president stated that a price would eventually be paid, suggesting the outcome would involve either a mental institution or jail. The two sides are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 29 to determine the next steps following the mistrial.
