Psychologist testifies Lindsay Clancy was not criminally responsible in killing of her 3 children

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) – Lindsay Clancy didn't appreciate the "wrongfulness" of killing her three children since of her mental health matters, a psychologist testifying for the defense noted at her murder trial Wednesday.

Key points

• Zeizel began seeing Clancy as a patient at a hospital after the deaths.
• If you or someone you know needs support, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S.
• She was unable to conform her behavior to the rule of law.

What happened

For context, the testimony of Paul Zeizel is the strongest evidence yet to backing the defense contentions that Clancy should not be held legally responsible for murder as she has bipolar disorder and was in the grip of a rare mental illness called postpartum psychosis when she killed her three children before trying to kill herself. Zeizel began seeing Clancy as a patient at a hospital after the deaths.

"She was unable to conform her behavior to the rule of law. She had no appreciation for the wrongfulness of her act, " Zeizel said, adding that she had "a mental disease or a defect."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. Is available by calling or texting 988.

The bottom line

In short, psychologist testifies Lindsay Clancy was not criminally responsible in killing of her is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.