Sutton Woman Charged with Juror Intimidation in Lindsay Clancy Trial

2 min read
Source: WCVB
Sutton Woman Charged with Juror Intimidation in Lindsay Clancy Trial
Photo: WCVB
TL;DR

Dawn Light, a 56-year-old retired nurse from Sutton, Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with witness intimidation after allegedly recording jurors exiting the Lindsay Clancy trial. Light claimed she was only trying to photograph Clancy, but state police found a video of jurors on her phone. She pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance.

Key points

  • Dawn Light, 56, of Sutton, was arrested around 3:40 p.m. on September 1, 2026, outside Plymouth County Superior Court.
  • Light was charged with one count of intimidation of a witness, juror, or person furnishing information in connection with criminal proceedings.
  • State police found a video of jurors exiting the courthouse among recently deleted content on Light's phone after she initially denied taking photos.
  • Light pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on September 2, 2026, and was released on personal recognizance.
  • Judge William Sullivan questioned all 12 jurors and six alternates individually to ensure their impartiality was not compromised by the incident.

Background

The Lindsay Clancy trial has been ongoing since August 2026, with jurors deadlocked after multiple days of deliberation. Clancy is accused of murdering her three children, Cora, Dawson, and Callan, in January 2023 at their Duxbury home. The defense has argued insanity due to postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors seek a first-degree murder conviction. The trial has drawn national attention, with intense media presence outside the courthouse.

How outlets are covering it

WCVB and NBC Boston reported the arrest and charge, noting Light's claim that she was waiting to see Clancy. The Boston Herald provided additional details, identifying Light as a retired nurse and quoting her attorney, Jennifer White, who stated Light had no intention of interacting with jurors. Assistant District Attorney Nicole Piacentini emphasized the seriousness of the charge, stating the sanctity of the judicial system was at risk. Light's attorney argued she had strong community ties and no criminal record, leading to her release on personal recognizance.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and potential risks to the integrity of high-profile trials. The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings underscore the challenges of maintaining juror impartiality and the sanctity of the judicial process in cases that attract significant public and media attention.

What to watch

Light's next court date is scheduled for October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, the Lindsay Clancy jury continues its deliberations, with Judge William Sullivan ensuring their impartiality is maintained. The trial's outcome will determine whether Clancy is convicted of murder or found not criminally responsible by reason of mental illness.

Share this article

Want the full story? Read the original reporting

Read on WCVB