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Clancy is accused of strangling her kids – Cora, five, Dawson, three, and Callan, who was eight months – with fitness bands in their Massachusetts home in January 2023. <\/p>\n
The defence argues that Clancy was experiencing postpartum psychosis – a severe mental health condition that can develop after childbirth – and that for this reason she should therefore not be held criminally responsible for the killings.<\/p>\n
If she is found guilty of first-degree murder, the intentional and premeditated killing of another person, Clancy will face a mandatory life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.<\/p>\n
She could also be found guilty of a lesser charge, including second-degree murder – committed with malice or extreme recklessness, but without prior planning – or manslaughter – unintentionally killing “by wanton and reckless conduct”. In either of those instances, she would face time behind bars.<\/p>\n
If Clancy is found not guilty by reason of insanity, she will not be set free – she would instead be sent to a psychiatric hospital where her status would be periodically reviewed. She could stay in hospital for the rest of her life. <\/p>\n
If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: <\/i>www.befrienders.org<\/i>, external<\/span><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n In the UK a list of organisations that can help is available at <\/i>bbc.co.uk\/actionline<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n