Attorney Defends Juror in Lindsay Clancy Trial, Discusses Mistrial Implications
The legal representative for Michael P. Desronvil, the only juror holding out in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial, stated that his client was certain of his decision. In an interview on Fox News, attorney Edward Paltzik emphasized that his client did not entertain any doubts during the deliberations. “Michael had zero doubt. No doubt,” Paltzik remarked. When prompted to provide evidence supporting this claim, Paltzik pointed to a significant amount of evidence backing his client’s stance.
Lindsay Clancy confessed to killing her children, 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan, in January 2023. She faced three counts of first-degree murder. Her defense argued that postpartum psychosis excused her from criminal liability. Despite over five weeks of testimony and seven days of jury deliberation, the jury could not reach a unanimous decision, leading Judge William Sullivan to declare a mistrial.
This case has sparked national discussions about postpartum psychosis, women’s mental health care, and the criminal justice system’s treatment of mentally ill defendants.
Identity of Juror Michael Desronvil
Michael Desronvil, 48, from Massachusetts, was the only juror to hold out in Clancy’s trial. After the mistrial announcement, some jurors criticized his deliberation approach. Some indicated that Desronvil failed to fully consider their perspectives.
Jury foreperson Roni Carlson mentioned to NBC10 Boston that Desronvil once expressed having reasonable doubt but refused to agree that Clancy was not criminally responsible. Another juror, Paula Devlin, described him as “very arrogant,” stating that jurors repeatedly reviewed medical and toxicology evidence for his concerns.
Desronvil previously clarified, “I didn’t have any doubts. As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence presented.”
Desronvil has since faced intense public scrutiny. His legal counsel confirmed that Desronvil is “presently safe and sound at an undisclosed secure location in a rural area of Northern New England.” Community support for Desronvil materialized in an online fundraiser, accumulating over $350,000.
Court records note that Desronvil faced an assault charge in September 2021 related to an incident with his ex-wife. He pleaded not guilty, and the charges were dismissed in December 2021, resulting in no conviction.
Future Proceedings in Lindsay Clancy’s Case
The mistrial leaves Clancy’s case unresolved, with charges still pending. A status hearing is scheduled for September 29 in Plymouth Superior Court before Judge Sullivan. Clancy’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, has filed a motion for a judgment of not guilty.
Reddington intends to argue against another prosecution on double-jeopardy grounds. Clancy is currently detained and receiving psychiatric treatment at Tewksbury State Hospital in Massachusetts.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. Alternatively, you can text “HOME” to 741741 to contact the Crisis Text Line.