Key facts
- Lindsay Clancy's defense lawyers have asked a judge to investigate juror Michael Desronvil.
- The defense alleges Desronvil used a cellphone during deliberations and was untruthful on pre-trial questionnaires.
- A mistrial was declared on September 4 because the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.
- Eleven of 12 jurors were reportedly ready to acquit Clancy, believing she suffered from postpartum psychosis.
- Desronvil was the sole juror who reportedly sided with prosecutors, arguing Clancy knew what she was doing.
- Clancy's lawyers are also seeking dismissal of the case, arguing the mistrial should not have been declared.
Lawyers for Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three children, have asked a judge to investigate the conduct of a lone juror who reportedly prevented a unanimous verdict, leading to a mistrial. The defense team filed a motion on Friday, which was made public on Monday, requesting that the court question juror Michael Desronvil regarding his alleged use of a cellphone during deliberations and his truthfulness on pre-trial questionnaires and during juror questioning.
Clancy's lawyers, including Kevin Reddington, are seeking records of Desronvil's phone calls and texts during deliberations, as phone use is prohibited in Massachusetts during such times. The judge declared a mistrial on September 4 after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision. Reports indicate that eleven of the twelve jurors were prepared to clear Clancy, attributing her actions to postpartum psychosis, while Desronvil maintained that she was aware of her actions, aligning with the prosecution's argument.
In a separate motion filed Monday, Clancy's legal team urged the judge to dismiss the criminal case entirely, arguing that the mistrial should not have been declared. They contend that the judge should have replaced Desronvil with an alternate juror after a foreperson complained about his refusal to consider the law on reasonable doubt. A spokesperson for Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz declined to comment on the motions. Desronvil, through his lawyer Edward Paltzik, stated last week that he had "no doubts" Clancy knew what she was doing when she killed her children, though other jurors had complained of his inflexibility.