Day 1 - July 27, 2026

Judge Sullivan instructed jurors on the three murder counts, the presumption of innocence, and the Commonwealth’s burden to prove both the offenses and criminal responsibility beyond a reasonable doubt. He outlined the mental-disease-or-defect standard and the alleged first-degree murder theories of deliberate premeditation and extreme atrocity or cruelty. He also distinguished counsel’s statements from evidence and directed jurors to avoid case-related media, independent research, and premature discussion. In opening statements, Shanan Buckingham alleged that Lindsay Clancy arranged errands to take Patrick Clancy away from home before killing their children, Cora, Dawson, and Callan. Buckingham acknowledged mental health problems but argued that Lindsay acted intentionally and was criminally responsible. Kevin Reddington argued that postpartum illness and psychosis explained the killings. He disputed the characterization of her suicide attempt as staged and previewed treatment records and an account of reported command voices. These were the parties’ opening assertions, not testimony or court findings. Patrick Clancy then began direct testimony for the Commonwealth. He described Lindsay’s anxiety, sleep difficulties, depressed mood, and reported suicidal and intrusive thoughts. He said she found the intrusive thoughts disturbing, denied having a plan, and had never harmed the children in his presence. Questioned about prescriptions and treatment, he disclaimed knowledge of pill quantities and many clinical details. The CVS prescription printout was admitted as Exhibit 1. Patrick described apparent improvement after McLean and said Lindsay appeared happy and communicated normally on January 24, reporting no suicidal or harmful thoughts to him. He described the dinner arrangements and leaving her holding Callan near the living-room doorway by the basement door.