Massachusetts legal proceedings continue in two cases involving mothers accused of child murders

Two high-profile legal cases involving mothers accused of killing their children are currently unfolding in Massachusetts.

In the Lindsay Clancy case, a mistrial was declared after a jury deadlocked on whether the 36-year-old former nurse is criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children. Her defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, has filed a motion asking the judge to acquit Clancy, arguing she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis and should be found not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecutors have not yet confirmed if they will seek a second trial.

Separately, Janette MacAusland, 49, appeared in court facing two murder charges related to the deaths of her children, Kai and Ella, who were found dead in their Wellesley home in April. MacAusland’s defense attorney, Joseph Krowski, requested that the charges be dismissed or that she be granted bail, citing delays in receiving final findings from the medical examiner. The judge denied both requests, ruling that MacAusland will remain held without bail as the case proceeds.