Lindsay Clancy attorney’s appeal to Trump for pardon could hurt his credibility, expert says
Lindsay Clancy's defence attorney, Kevin Reddington, has publicly appealed to US President Donald Trump for a pardon for his client, prompting legal experts to question both the feasibility and wisdom of the move. Clancy, a 36-year-old former nurse, faced three counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of her three young children, Cora, Dawson and Callan, but a mistrial was declared last Friday after jurors failed to reach a verdict following a week of deliberations. Analysts argue a presidential pardon is legally impossible since the case falls under Massachusetts state jurisdiction, and some suggested the request could damage Reddington's credibility.
Speaking on ABC's "Good Morning America", Reddington said Clancy's "life was ruined" after an inexperienced doctor prescribed medication for her postpartum depression, and he directly urged Trump to consider a pardon. In a separate interview with WBZ-TV, he acknowledged Trump has no authority over the state case but suggested the president might informally lean on Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz, noting both men are Republicans. Attorneys including Mark Bederow and Josh Ritter said the appeal lacks legal grounding but may be a tactic to generate publicity and pressure ahead of potential plea negotiations, while Reddington indicated he remains open to discussing a deal with prosecutors.
- Clancy's lawyer publicly asked Trump for a pardon after her murder mistrial
- Experts say a pardon is legally impossible in this Massachusetts state case
- Move seen as possible leverage tactic for future plea negotiations