Lindsay Clancy trial judge denies mistrial request, but reprimands prosecution over witness testimony about religion
Updated on: August 24, 2026 / 11:30 PM EDT / CBS Boston
TL;DR
- A mistrial was requested when witness Dr. Kirk Heilbrun spoke about Catholic beliefs and suicide, which the defense argued was irrelevant and inflammatory.
- Judge William Sullivan denied the mistrial but reprimanded the prosecution, stating the testimony was immaterial and irrelevant.
- This is the second instance of religion being brought up during the trial, with a previous question being struck from the record.
- Dr. Heilbrun, a forensic psychologist, testified about Clancy's mental health history, including anxiety and depression exacerbated by Zoloft.
- Clancy faces first-degree murder charges for the deaths of her three children, with the prosecution arguing premeditation and the defense claiming postpartum psychosis.