Can We Learn Anything from the Lindsay Clancy Trial?

Both sides agree that Clancy killed her children. But neither can offer a satisfactory explanation for why—and that vacuum has fuelled sympathy, vilification, and conspiracy theories.

Listen and subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Wherever You Listen

Sign up to receive our twice-weekly News & Politics newsletter.


The New Yorker contributing writer Eren Orbey joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three children during a period of severe postpartum mental-health struggles. They talk about the tragedy at the center of the trial and the question of whether Clancy’s mental state at the time meets the legal standard for a lack of criminal responsibility. They also discuss Eren’s experience reporting on the case in 2024, including his extensive conversations with Clancy’s now ex-husband, Patrick; the intense public reaction to the case and the proliferation of conspiracy theories surrounding it; and how cultural understanding—and misunderstanding—of women’s mental health and postpartum psychosis have shaped the coverage and discourse.

This week’s reading:

“Is R.F.K., Jr., Winning or Losing?,” by Dhruv Khullar

Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts.