Watch Live: Lindsay Clancy trial testimony continues with prosecution rebuttal witnesses

The Lindsay Clancy trial resumed Monday in Plymouth Superior Court with a forensic psychiatrist back on the stand as testimony winds down in the Massachusetts murder case.

You can watch the Clancy trial live on CBS News Boston in the video player attached to this article, or on the WBZ-TV YouTube page when court is in session.

Dr. Avram Mack testified Friday that he met with Clancy at Tewksbury Hospital in April, and she recalled telling her three children to “go to God” as she killed them in her Duxbury home. He was being cross-examined by defense attorney Kevin Reddington when court ended on Friday.

Mack was the first rebuttal witness called by the prosecution, as is protocol in insanity defense cases. Reddington said he expects the prosecution to call two more witnesses. Closing arguments could happen this week.  

The defense rested on Friday after calling its last witness, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Phillip Resnick, a key figure in the Andrea Yates trial. Resnick testified that Clancy reported feeling an “external force” take over her body before the murders.

Cross-examination of Dr. Avram Mack

Reddington continued his contentious cross-examination of Mack on Monday morning, with the psychiatrist appearing in court via Zoom. Reddington said a judge in a previous case ruled that he was “unqualified” to give testimony, but Mack disagreed with that characterization.

“What are you smiling for? This is not funny, sir,” Reddington asked Mack during questioning about the interview with Clancy.

There were several questions from Reddington about postpartum psychosis. Mack has testified that he believes Clancy was depressed but not experiencing psychosis at the time of the killings.

“Do you agree that postpartum psychosis is a legitimate disease or defect?” Reddington asked.

“When you have a symptom or sign of psychosis at any time, but particularly in the postpartum period, it is a legitimate finding and something to be concerned about and to treat,” Mack answered.

Lindsay Clancy trial

Clancy has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan.

The prosecution argues Clancy planned the murders and has suggested that her suicide attempt was not serious. The defense says she should not be held accountable because she was overmedicated and suffering from postpartum psychosis. 

Clancy faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of first-degree murder. If she’s found not criminally responsible,  she will be sent to a state psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.

For more information about mental healthcare resources and support, the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.