A Massachusetts mother will be charged with multiple cases of murder after she allegedly strangled her children before attempting suicide, investigators reported.
Lindsay Clancy, 32, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, was reported to authorities after she jumped out of a window. Police arrived to find two of her children strangled to death and a third child was hospitalized after sustaining injuries, according to the Boston Herald.
“We developed probable cause and today are seeking and obtaining an arrest warrant out of Plymouth District Court charging 32-year-old Lindsay Clancy, the mother of these children, with their homicides,” Plymouth DA Tim Cruz said late last month.
Family members and others in the community expressed shock at the chilling details of the deaths and Clancy’s suicide attempt.
“They were just beautiful, beautiful children. Well cared for — they were just beautiful, that’s it. They had a beautiful life,” aunt Donna Jesse told NBC 10 Boston.
Clancy now faces charges of two counts of homicide, three counts of strangulation and three counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
The woman was last said to be in police custody in an area hospital. She reportedly had cut herself in addition to injuries sustained in jumping from her window.
The two children included Cora, 5, and Dawson, 3. The third child, a son just 7 months old, remains in the hospital.
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Police described that the husband initially called to report Clancy’s suicide attempt.
Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed Wednesday to Philadelphia’s NBC outlet that the woman involved is one of their employees.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of this unthinkable tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by these devastating events,” they said in a statement.
The city’s mayor also addressed the situation in a report to the media.
“Our community, of course, is reeling from the tragic events of last night,” the mayor said. “Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time, and they have our deepest sympathies.”
“These incidents can be difficult for anyone, even the most well-trained and prepared responders, and we urge anyone who is struggling to reach out to any of the available resources,” the State Police Association of Massachusetts, the union representing troopers, posted on social media.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘Home’ to 741741 anytime.
