U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to a request for a pardon for Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman accused of killing her three children, after her murder trial ended in a mistrial.
Clancy’s lawyer, Kevin Reddington, publicly appealed to Trump after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the five-week trial.
He urged the president to consider Clancy’s circumstances and mental health.
“Mr. President, I would hope that you would consider this young lady and the person she is, what she’s been through, and consider a pardon,” Reddington said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Trump, however, said the case was a matter for Massachusetts because Clancy was prosecuted under state law.
“It’s a very sad situation. I certainly heard that,” Trump told reporters Sunday.
“There’s no winner there.
“There’s no win no matter what you do.
“Three children are dead.”
He added, “It’s actually a state situation, not a federal.”
Asked whether he would contact Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Trump said, “I hope they can work it out.
“That’s something they have to work out.
“It’s very sad.
“There is no win there.”
Clancy, 36, is accused of killing her 5-year-old daughter Cora, 3-year-old son Dawson and 8-month-old son Callan at the family’s home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in January 2023.
She pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder.
Her defense argued that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible. Prosecutors argued that the killings were premeditated.
The trial ended on 4th September after the jury deadlocked 11-1, resulting in a mistrial.
Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek a retrial.
Trump’s presidential pardon power generally covers federal offenses, while Clancy’s charges are under Massachusetts law. Her next court hearing is scheduled for 29th September.
