A Massachusetts judge has partially granted a grieving father’s request to shield some of the most graphic evidence expected to surface at the murder trial of his now-ex-wife, who is accused of strangling their three young children inside the family’s home.
Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan ruled Friday that the media and public may not record, display, reproduce or distribute Patrick Clancy’s initial 911 call or autopsy photographs of 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan Clancy.
The evidence may still be presented to jurors during Lindsay Clancy’s trial, which is set to begin Monday with opening statements.
LINDSAY CLANCY’S HUSBAND COULD TESTIFY FOR HER AT TRIAL OVER DEATHS OF THEIR THREE CHILDREN
Reporters may also describe what is heard or shown in court but cannot broadcast or publish the recording or images themselves, according to the two-page order.
Patrick Clancy had asked Sullivan to restrict the public and media’s ability to record, broadcast or distribute evidence, including the 911 call, family and crime-scene photographs, autopsy images and the clothing the children were wearing.
Sullivan’s order specifically bars the reproduction or dissemination of the 911 recording and autopsy photographs. It does not prevent prosecutors or the defense from introducing the evidence at trial.
Sullivan wrote that the release or reproduction of the material would create a “substantial likelihood of harm” or another harmful consequence for Patrick Clancy and the children’s family.
Sullivan issued the ruling after hearing arguments from attorneys representing Patrick Clancy, prosecutors and Lindsay Clancy. Boston Globe Media Partners also filed a response opposing aspects of the request, according to the order.
Patrick Clancy’s 911 call is expected to provide jurors with an account of what he encountered after returning to the family’s home on Jan. 24, 2023, when the children were found unresponsive.
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Lindsay Clancy is charged with murder in the January 2023 deaths of her three children inside their Duxbury, Massachusetts home.
Prosecutors allege Clancy strangled the children inside the family’s home before attempting to take her own life. Her attorneys have argued that she was suffering from severe mental illness and postpartum psychosis at the time.
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A jury of 18 people — 12 women and six men — was seated Thursday after several days of questioning prospective jurors about their knowledge of the case and whether they could remain impartial.
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Opening statements are scheduled for Monday in Plymouth Superior Court.
