Chaplain testifies Lindsay Clancy said children 'safe' after voice command
This USA TODAY clip presents testimony from hospital chaplain Sheila Cavanaugh in the ongoing murder trial of Lindsay Clancy. On day 17 of the trial (August 20, 2026), Cavanaugh described meeting Clancy over 200 times since January 2023, beginning while Clancy was intubated. Clancy expressed deep love for her children, ongoing grief, and relief that they were "safe." Cavanaugh responded that they were "safe in heaven with God" and the two prayed together. Clancy also recounted hearing a persistent voice that commanded her to kill the children, saying that if she did not obey, neither she nor her children would be safe. The segment is drawn from live trial coverage. Cavanaugh, a board-certified chaplain at Brigham and Women's Hospital, was called by the defense. The testimony supports the insanity defense centered on postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder. Supporters rallied outside the Plymouth, Massachusetts, courthouse wearing pink. The psychologist for the defense previously testified Clancy was not criminally responsible.
Source: USA TODAY