Mental health defense poised to shape Lindsay Clancy case, columnist predicts

Wendy Murphy argues in this opinion column that Lindsay Clancy’s murder case should end with a not guilty by reason of insanity (NGI) verdict and a plea deal, given the jury’s NGI finding and the defense and prosecution’s likely alignment on her severe mental illness. She predicts Plymouth DA Tim Cruz will accept an NGI plea after a mistrial, resulting in about five years in a locked mental facility with possible release petitions later. The piece contends this is the right path to avoid vilifying mothers who seek help, and it calls for shifting focus to preventing other child deaths rather than punishing mental illness.