Attorneys for Lindsay Clancy filed motions on Friday and Monday requesting a judicial investigation into the conduct of Michael Desronvil, the lone juror who voted to convict Clancy of murder. The defense asked a judge to question Desronvil regarding his alleged use of a cellphone during deliberations and his truthfulness on a confidential jury questionnaire and during jury selection. A second motion filed Monday asked the judge to dismiss the criminal case, arguing that the judge should have replaced Desronvil with an alternate juror before declaring a mistrial on September 4.
The request follows a trial in which 11 of 12 jurors were prepared to clear Clancy of criminal responsibility in the deaths of her three children, citing a diagnosis of postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors argued that Clancy acted with intent and awareness. After days of deliberation, the jury informed the court they could not reach a unanimous verdict. Clancy remains charged with murder and is currently held at a psychiatric hospital.
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington requested that the court obtain records for any calls or texts Desronvil made between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during deliberation days, noting that phone use is prohibited during that time. The defense also sought records related to a 2021 domestic violence complaint involving the juror. In a statement released through his attorney, Edward Paltzik, Desronvil said he had no doubts Clancy knew what she was doing and felt his peers cut him off when he tried to explain his theories. A spokesperson for Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz declined to comment on the motions.
Clancy is scheduled to return to court next month, where Reddington plans to argue the motions. The prosecution has yet to announce if it will seek a new trial. Clancy remains in a psychiatric hospital until the case is resolved.