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Mistrial sought over 'mortal sin' references
25 Aug
Summary
- Defense attorney moved for mistrial due to 'mortal sin' references.
- The references involved religious implications of the children's deaths.
- The judge denied the mistrial but strongly cautioned the witness.
A mistrial was requested in the Lindsay Clancy murder case following two references to "mortal sin" during the ongoing trial. Clancy is accused of killing her three young children and has claimed postpartum psychosis.
During the prosecution's rebuttal, a psychologist testified about conversations with Clancy, mentioning her religious upbringing and a reference to "mortal sin." This prompted Clancy's defense attorney to object and move for a mistrial, citing intentional misconduct.
The defense noted this was the second such reference, the first occurring a week prior. The judge denied the mistrial, but issued a stern reprimand to the witness about the inadmissibility of religious discussions and instructed the jury to disregard the testimony.
