Patrick Clancy’s lawyer threatens conspiracy theorists with legal action, warning that those spreading false claims about his client will face consequences.
Howard Cooper’s Statement
Attorney Howard Cooper issued a sharp statement Tuesday morning on behalf of Patrick Clancy, the ex-husband of Lindsay Clancy, who was tried for the murders of their three children.
“Enough is enough — this spread of blatant and baseless falsehoods must stop,” Cooper said.
The statement targets online figures who have claimed Patrick Clancy was involved in the deaths of Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy. That theory never came up in court.
Cooper said his client “has been subject to an escalating campaign of misinformation and defamatory statements.”
The full statement describes a “relentless, escalating and destructive defamation campaign” launched by “minor celebrities, so-called influencers and outright conspiracy theorists.”
“Those responsible should understand that there will be consequences, and every appropriate measure will be pursued to hold them accountable, including legally,” the statement reads. “Law enforcement has been notified.”
The Trial and Its End
Patrick Clancy was the first witness to testify in Lindsay Clancy’s trial. The case ended in a mistrial last week because the jury was deadlocked.
Lindsay Clancy admitted through her attorney that she killed the children in their Duxbury, Massachusetts home in January 2023. She pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, and the charge remains unresolved.
The central issue at trial was whether Lindsay Clancy was criminally responsible for the murders or too mentally ill to understand right from wrong.
Patrick Clancy was the first person to find his children on the night of the murders. The couple divorced after their deaths, and Patrick Clancy married again.
Legal Experts Weigh In
CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi said the statement functions as a “cease and desist letter.”
Polisi said it may signal that Patrick Clancy plans to pursue civil legal action if the online attacks continue.
Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz has not decided whether to seek a second trial for Lindsay Clancy.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 29.
Defense Attorney Responds
After the mistrial was declared Friday, WBZ-TV’s Kristina Rex asked Lindsay Clancy’s attorney Kevin Reddington about the Patrick Clancy conspiracy theories.
“You know, regarding the people on the internet, you know, I certainly don’t dismiss them. It’s amazing what people on TikTok and on Instagram – I do know those things – you know, it’s amazing how they’re able to ferret out facts and they do investigations,” Reddington said.
Rex spoke to Reddington again Tuesday about Patrick Clancy’s statement.
“The guy’s been through hell and back,” Reddington said.
Reddington detailed how Patrick Clancy supported Lindsay during her mental health struggles.
“He has, as I’ve said repeatedly, stood by her, during the period of time dealing with the doctors, dealing with the medications. While she’s awake at night, in their house, taking her to doctors, taking her to the hospital, going to McLean. taking her to, dropping her off at the, Rhode Island hospital, the suicide lines, all of it. He’s been there with her, and still stands by her by way of his testimony. And…it’s — I think it’s just horrible what he’s been going through,” Reddington said.
Reddington visited Lindsay Clancy at Tewksbury Hospital over the weekend, where she has been held in state custody since February 2023.
“She’s sad, she’s scared, she’s upset and she’s not in a real good place,” Reddington told Rex.
A Juror Speaks Out
A juror who deliberated in the trial spoke about the conspiracy theories targeting Patrick Clancy.
“I will never be the same after that 911 call,” the juror, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
The juror described hearing Patrick Clancy’s emergency call and rejected the online claims against him.
“After the trial, I saw all the conspiracy theories about how Patrick did and that he somehow convinced Lindsay that she had done it when it was really him. All I could think was that if these people could have heard that visceral, blood-curdling scream, I don’t think I could name a single actor or actress that could have performed that the way he did. I will never be the same after that. It was horrifying. Just to imagine living through that and being the person to find your children in that scenario, it shakes you,” the juror said.
What Happens Next
The legal threat from Patrick Clancy’s lawyer adds a new layer to an already complex case.
- The mistrial leaves the question of a second trial open.
- Lindsay Clancy remains at Tewksbury Hospital.
- The next court hearing is set for Sept. 29.
- Patrick Clancy’s lawyer has notified law enforcement about the online campaign.
- Civil legal action remains a possibility if the conspiracy theories continue.
Cooper’s statement frames the fight as more than a personal defense.
The statement says Patrick Clancy wants to return his attention to “preserving the memory of Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy and supporting other women facing perinatal mental health challenges.”
For now, the warning is clear.
“There will be consequences,” Cooper said.
Source: cbsnews.com
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