Massachusetts nurse charged with strangling her two young children may have suffered postpartum anxiety
A Massachusetts nurse is facing charges for the murder of two of her children whom authorities say appear to have been strangled.
Lindsay Clancy is accused of killing the children, aged five and three, while a seven-month-old boy was flown to a hospital in Boston after being found unconscious with traumatic injuries.
Plymouth County district attorney Tim Cruz identified Ms Clancy as the suspect in the case on Wednesday and said that she had jumped out of a window at the family home in Duxbury.
“As soon as able, we will be arraigning her on the two charges of murder in the death of her children,” Mr Cruz said.
He identified the dead children as Cora Clancy and Dawson Clancy. Mr Cruz said the chief medical examiner’s office will determine the causes of death.
“This is an unimaginable, senseless tragedy, and it is an ongoing investigation,” Mr Cruz said.
The suspect was treated at the scene and taken to the hospital for treatment, where she remained on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed Ms Clancy is an employee, according to WCVB.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of this unthinkable tragedy,” the hospital said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by these devastating events.”
Investigators are said to be looking into the possibility that Ms Clancy was suffering from postpartum anxiety.
Ms Clancy had referenced postpartum anxiety in a Facebook post last July, according to the Boston Globe.
She wrote that exercise and nutrition had “made all the difference” six weeks after the birth of her third child, the newspaper said.
Loved ones described Ms Clancy as a devoted mother and shared their shock at the events.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are in the US and have thoughts of self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
