Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Patrick Clancy Discusses Grief After His Children’s Deaths
Patrick Clancy spoke on television about the deaths of his three children.
He said his former wife, Lindsay Clancy, strangled the children in 2023 and then tried to end her own life.
Their youngest child, Callan, lived for four more days before dying in Patrick’s arms.
Patrick said he believes Lindsay’s serious mental illness caused what happened.
He said he forgave her even though the tragedy changed his life.
Patrick also talked about having suicidal thoughts and a panic attack during the trial.
Most jurors reportedly thought Lindsay was not responsible because of her mental illness, but one juror disagreed.
The disagreement caused the judge to declare a mistrial.
Patrick and his wife, Rachel Danis, are now expecting a child and plan to tell their future children about Cora, Dawson and Callan.
Patrick Clancy said he forgave his former wife, Lindsay Clancy, for killing their three children.
He described suicidal thoughts and a traumatic panic attack during testimony at Lindsay Clancy’s trial.
The children were attacked at their Massachusetts home on Jan. 24, 2023; Callan died four days later.
Eleven of 12 jurors reportedly favored finding Lindsay Clancy not criminally responsible, resulting in a mistrial.
Patrick criticized conspiracy theories and said perinatal mental health should remain the focus of the case.
- Who
- Patrick Clancy, Lindsay Clancy, their three children, the trial jurors and prosecutors, and Patrick’s wife, Dr. Rachel Danis.
- What
- Patrick Clancy gave his first televised interview since Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial ended in a mistrial, discussing the children’s deaths, his grief, forgiveness and mental health.
- When
- The children were attacked on Jan. 24, 2023; Lindsay Clancy’s trial ended in a mistrial on Sept. 4; the interview was broadcast on Sept. 20.
- Where
- The children were attacked at the family’s home in Massachusetts, and Patrick discussed the case on CBS News’ “60 Minutes.”
- Why
- Patrick wanted to discuss his grief, explain his belief that mental illness caused Lindsay’s actions, criticize conspiracy theories and draw attention to perinatal mental health.
Mental-Illness Defense
Prosecution Position
Criminal responsibility
Mental-Illness Defense
Lindsay Clancy’s attorney argued that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis, deep delusions and other mental-health problems, so she should not be held criminally responsible.
Prosecution Position
Prosecutors argued that Lindsay Clancy knew what she was doing and should be held responsible for the children’s deaths.
Explanation of the killings
Mental-Illness Defense
Patrick Clancy said mental illness caused Lindsay’s actions and rejected descriptions of her as a “killer mom,” “baby murderer” or “monster.”
Prosecution Position
The prosecution’s position emphasized Lindsay’s alleged awareness and actions rather than Patrick’s interpretation of her mental state.
Public focus
Mental-Illness Defense
Patrick said discussion should focus on perinatal mental health rather than online conspiracy theories about his involvement.
Prosecution Position
The articles do not report a separate prosecution response to the conspiracy theories or Patrick’s comments about perinatal mental health.
- Children
- Cora was 5, Dawson was 2 and Callan was 8 months old at the time of the attack.
- Attack date
- Jan. 24, 2023.
- Callan’s death
- Callan survived the attack for four days before dying in Patrick’s arms.
- Mental-health account
- Patrick described Lindsay’s lack of sleep, depression, anxiety and intrusive thoughts before the deaths.
- Jury outcome
- Eleven of 12 jurors reportedly favored finding Lindsay not criminally responsible; one favored the prosecution’s position.
- Mistrial
- A judge declared a mistrial on Sept. 4.
- Potential retrial
- The Plymouth County district attorney has not said whether Lindsay will face another trial.
- Patrick’s current family
- Patrick and Dr. Rachel Danis are expecting a child.
