Lindsay Clancy trial: New details emerge on Patrick Clancy’s absence, hospital life and ‘devastation’ over children
Lindsay Clancy has spent more than three years at Tewksbury State Hospital after surviving a suicide attempt following the January 2023 deaths of her three children. As her murder trial continues in Plymouth, Massachusetts, new details have emerged about her life inside the psychiatric hospital, including her regular visits with Father Bob Deehan, her parents’ support and her thoughts about Cora, Dawson and Callan. Her ex-husband, Patrick Clancy, has not visited her since the tragedy, although he testified about her mental health and described her as a loving mother. Clancy’s defense says postpartum psychosis left her unable to understand her actions.
How is Lindsay Clancy’s life at Tewksbury State Hospital?
Clancy has remained at Tewksbury State Hospital since the killings and now uses a wheelchair after surviving her suicide attempt. She receives care for her physical and mental health while her trial continues.
The Daily Mail reported that Clancy’s childhood friend Amy Bevins visited her once after the killings. The visit lasted about 30 minutes, and the two played board games without discussing what had happened.
Her parentsMike and Paula Musgrove, have stayed close to their daughter. They moved from Connecticut and spent years living near the hospital so they could visit her.
The person who has visited Clancy most regularly is Father Bob Deehan, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Duxbury. He has reportedly seen her every week for about three-and-a-half years.
What does Lindsay Clancy say about her children in hospital?
Father Bob said Clancy continues to think about her three children, Cora, Dawson and Callan, almost constantly.
‘She’s doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances,’ the pastor said.
‘She’s very devastated and thinks of the children pretty much every hour of the day.’
He said their conversations often focus on faith and the children. According to Father Bob, Clancy believes her children are in heaven and feels she can remain connected to them through prayer.
‘I’ve been working with her in terms of faith, hope and everlasting life. She understands that her little children are now with the Lord in heaven, and so she is able to pray with them, pray for them, and continue to have a spiritual relationship with them that way.’
Father Bob stressed that he is ‘no medical professional,’ but said he had seen a change in Clancy since the immediate aftermath of the killings.
She seems to ‘no longer be in a state of psychological crisis,’ he said.
‘She seems fairly stable in her mental condition.’
Why has Patrick Clancy not visited Lindsay Clancy?
Patrick Clancy has not visited Lindsay in hospital. He moved to New York City in 2023 and remarried in 2026. He nevertheless testified at the trial and spoke about Lindsay’s mental health and her relationship with their children.
Father Bob said the end of the marriage had affected Lindsay.
‘When a marriage has ended in such a terrible way with a tragedy of the whole family, with the children gone, it has an effect as you would expect,’ he said.
The trial has also been difficult for Clancy. She has followed testimony closely but became deeply distressed when evidence about her children was discussed.
During graphic testimony about the children’s injuries, she cried out, ‘I can’t do it.’
Father Bob was in court and was brought in to comfort her during a break.
The trial is now focused on whether Clancy should be held criminally responsible for the deaths. The defense argues she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors say she intentionally killed her children. If convicted, she faces life in prison. If found not guilty by reason of insanity, she could remain in psychiatric care without a fixed release date.
Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
