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Lindsay Clancy Returns to Court After Mistrial in Case Over Children’s Deaths

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 25 outlets, mostly right-leaning (60%).

62 articles in total, 4 of them opinion. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts woman charged with killing her three children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months — returned to a Plymouth County courtroom on Tuesday, weeks after her murder trial ended in a mistrial on Sept. 4 when the jury deadlocked. Jurors have said 11 of 12 favored finding Clancy not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, with one holdout, identified as Michael Desronvil, refusing to agree. At the hearing, defense attorney Kevin Reddington argued there is “no evidence” proving Clancy killed her children and sought dismissal of the charges, a shift from the trial’s earlier focus on her mental state. Prosecutors have said the state proved guilt. Prosecutors also asked the judge for a gag order covering public comments about the case, and the defense asked the judge to investigate the holdout juror over alleged cellphone use during deliberations.

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. Clancy is charged with strangling her three children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months — at the family’s Duxbury, Mass. home on Jan. 24, 2023.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. Her first trial ended in a mistrial on Sept. 4 after the jury deadlocked, with one holdout juror, identified as Michael Desronvil, refusing to join the rest of the panel.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  3. Clancy’s defense originally argued she was not criminally responsible due to postpartum psychosis.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  4. At Tuesday’s hearing, defense attorney Kevin Reddington argued there is “no evidence” Clancy killed her children and asked the judge to dismiss the case, a shift from the trial’s focus on her mental state.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  5. Prosecutors filed a motion seeking a gag order to limit public statements about the case, citing defense comments about the holdout juror.

    Reported byRight

Show 2 more pointsShow fewer points

  1. The defense asked the judge to investigate the holdout juror over allegations he used his cellphone during deliberations, which is prohibited.

    Reported byRight

  2. Possible outcomes discussed include a retrial on the original charges, lesser charges such as second-degree murder or manslaughter, a plea deal involving psychiatric confinement, or dismissal of the case.

    Reported byLeftRight

What is contested

Where accounts differ

Points the coverage does not agree on, and who says what.

  • Whether there is evidence proving Clancy killed her children.

    Defense attorney Kevin Reddington argues the case is based on speculation and there is “no evidence” she admitted to or was proven to have killed her children (ABC, NPR). The Daily Mail reports Clancy “has admitted killing her children” but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecutors maintain the state proved guilt (BBC).

  • Whether the holdout juror improperly used his cellphone during deliberations.

    The defense and other jurors have suggested Michael Desronvil used his phone during deliberations, which is prohibited (Washington Examiner, Daily Mail); this has not been independently confirmed and is the subject of the defense’s request for investigation.

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    8 outlets

    Left-side headlines are largely procedural (“back in court,” “returns to court”), though the AP report published by NPR foregrounds the defense’s new argument that there is no evidence Clancy killed her children.

    Why Lindsay Clancy's attorney is only now questioning whether she committed killings
    CBS NewsLeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    2 outlets

    Center headlines similarly highlight the defense’s pivot to disputing whether Clancy killed her children, with BBC also noting prosecutors’ position that guilt was proven.

    How Lindsay Clancy's return to court after mistrial unfolded
    BBC NewsCenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    15 outlets

    Right-side headlines emphasize the gag order fight and the holdout juror controversy, with Daily Mail using more sensational language (“bombshell,” “slammed”) than the Washington Examiner or Daily Wire, which frame the hearing more procedurally around possible charges and juror misconduct claims.

    Lindsay Clancy prosecutors weigh retrial as holdout juror begs public to 'put the focus on the three angels'
    Daily MailRightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left1

    striking turn

  • Center1

    a striking turn

  • Right24

    gut-wrenching Lindsay Clancy trialBlockbuster Interviewgoing to warpublic relations gambit

In the outlets’ own words

  • Loaded modifier

    gut-wrenching Lindsay Clancy trialMore neutral: Lindsay Clancy trial

    Editorializes about the emotional nature of the trial rather than stating facts.

    As America continues to recover from the gut-wrenching Lindsay Clancy trial, we get another reminder that the outcome could have been worse.

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    Blockbuster InterviewMore neutral: interview

    Adds unwarranted drama to describe a news interview.

    Lone Holdout Juror Stood Up to 'Unimaginable' Pressure, Lawyer Reveals in Blockbuster Interview

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    going to warMore neutral: escalating their legal dispute

    Uses combative, exaggerated language to describe a legal dispute rather than a neutral term.

    They're going to war now, and the holdout juror is in the middle of it.

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

  • Delegitimizing label

    public relations gambitMore neutral: a move some view as strategic

    Dismisses the defense attorney’s legal request as insincere without evidence, framing it as illegitimate before any ruling.

    This is still a public relations gambit and not a search for truth.

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

Show 22 more phrasesShow fewer

  • Sensational language

    Go NuclearMore neutral: is escalating

    Describes the situation with dramatic, exaggerated language rather than a neutral description of an escalating legal dispute.

    The Pressure on Lindsay Clancy Holdout Juror Is About to Go Nuclear

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    blastedMore neutral: criticized

    Frames the attorney’s criticism as an aggressive attack rather than a neutral description of disagreement.

    The attorney representing the lone holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy’s mistrial blasted Clancy’s defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, for what he called unconstitutional…

    Used byThe Daily Wire (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    Drops Legal BombshellMore neutral: Announces Plan to File Bar Complaint

    Casts a routine legal announcement as an explosive revelation, adding drama beyond the facts.

    Lindsay Clancy Holdout’s Lawyer Drops Legal Bombshell

    Used byThe Daily Wire (Far Right)

  • Absolutist framing

    the only sane person of integrityMore neutral: a juror who stood by his position

    Presents a subjective judgment about the juror’s character as settled fact.

    Michael Desronvil, the only sane person of integrity on the Lindsay Clancy jury in the case that ended in a mistrial, is…

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

  • Dehumanizing label

    maternal murdererMore neutral: the defendant

    Applies a harsh, prejudicial label to a defendant whose criminal responsibility is still being litigated.

    …a mistrial, is refusing to have any more part in the “circus” surrounding the maternal murderer as she is set to reappear September 29.

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    despicableMore neutral: (omit) and quote or describe

    Moral verdict in the reporter's voice.

    Clancy’s despicable attorney Kevin Reddington has been trying to haul Desronvil back into court,…

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    defied 11 othersMore neutral: disagreed with 11 others

    Characterizes the juror’s vote as an act of defiance rather than a neutral dissent

    — The lone holdout juror who defied 11 others by maintaining his belief that former Massachusetts nurse Lindsay Clancy was…

    Used byFox News (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    mistrial dramaMore neutral: mistrial

    Adds dramatic framing to a legal proceeding rather than describing it neutrally

    Lindsay Clancy holdout juror asks for one thing in new video after mistrial drama

    Used byFox News (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    attacking the lone holdoutMore neutral: criticizing the lone holdout

    Frames the defense attorney’s criticism as an attack rather than describing his statements neutrally

    …of national interest, with fellow jurors and Clancy's defense attorney attacking the lone holdout.

    Used byFox News (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    Defiant MessageMore neutral: public statement

    “Defiant” characterizes the juror's tone in a way that goes beyond describing the content of his statement.

    Lindsay Clancy Holdout Seen On Camera For First Time With Defiant Message

    Used byThe Daily Wire (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    captivating triple murder trialMore neutral: murder trial

    “Captivating” frames the trial as entertainment rather than describing it neutrally.

    Lindsay Clancy is expected in court for the first time since her captivating triple murder trial ended with a hung jury for a pivotal hearing that's likely to reveal the…

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    horrific caseMore neutral: the case

    “Horrific” passes judgment rather than describing the case neutrally.

    It’s been over three weeks since the horrific case ended in a mistrial, and now that brave juror is explaining why he refused to bend…

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    brave jurorMore neutral: the juror

    “Brave” characterizes the juror's motives approvingly rather than stating facts.

    …been over three weeks since the horrific case ended in a mistrial, and now that brave juror is explaining why he refused to bend the knee despite the enormous, almost…

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    bend the kneeMore neutral: change his vote

    This idiom frames the juror's holdout as a moral stand rather than a neutral description of not changing his vote.

    …ended in a mistrial, and now that brave juror is explaining why he refused to bend the knee despite the enormous, almost unthinkable amount of pressure his fellow panelists…

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    unthinkable amount of pressureMore neutral: significant pressure

    The phrase exaggerates the described pressure for dramatic effect.

    …explaining why he refused to bend the knee despite the enormous, almost unthinkable amount of pressure his fellow panelists put on his shoulders.

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    Beyond PowerfulMore neutral: notable

    The phrase amplifies emotional reaction rather than describing the statement's content.

    Say Their Names: Cora, Dawson and Callan — Clancy Jury Holdout Speaks, and It's Beyond Powerful

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    sensationally filedMore neutral: filed

    “Sensationally” editorializes about the manner of a routine court filing.

    Prosecutors in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial have sensationally filed a gag order asking the judge to bar the defense and others from publicly…

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    bombshell gag orderMore neutral: gag order

    “Bombshell” exaggerates the significance of a routine legal filing.

    Lindsay Clancy prosecutors file bombshell gag order after defense slammed lone holdout juror following mistrial: Live updates

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    defense slammedMore neutral: defense criticized

    “Slammed” implies harsh attack rather than neutrally describing the defense’s criticism.

    Lindsay Clancy prosecutors file bombshell gag order after defense slammed lone holdout juror following mistrial: Live updates

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    a striking turnMore neutral: a shift

    “Striking” editorializes the significance of the argument rather than stating it neutrally.

    …that there wasn't enough evidence to prove she killed her three children, a striking turn after a lengthy trial that focused more on her mental state than on whether she…

    Used byPBS NewsHour (Center)

  • Sensational language

    psychoticMore neutral: (omit) and quote the statement

    Diagnoses the speaker instead of quoting them.

    …her kids – an apparent flip from the defense strategy at trial that she was psychotic at the time.

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Sensational language

    striking turnMore neutral: shift

    Characterizes the defense’s new argument as dramatic rather than simply describing the change in strategy.

    It's a striking turn after a lengthy trial that focused more on her mental state than on whether she…

    Used byNPR (Left)

Words quoted from someone else (2)Hide the quoted words

Loaded words that outlets reported someone else saying. They show what was said, not how the outlet chose to say it.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    to prevent carnival atmosphereMore neutral: to limit public comments about the case

    This is a quoted phrase describing the trial as chaotic and sensational, attributed to prosecutors.

    Lindsay Clancy prosecutors ask for gag order ‘to prevent carnival atmosphere’ after Kevin Reddington’s ‘disturbing’ comments

    Quoted byNew York Post (Right)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Loaded modifier

    Quoted

    disturbingMore neutral: controversial

    This is a quoted characterization of the defense attorney’s comments, attributed to prosecutors rather than stated as fact.

    …ask for gag order ‘to prevent carnival atmosphere’ after Kevin Reddington’s ‘disturbing’ comments

    Quoted byNew York Post (Right)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

8 outlets

Leads with

  • defense’s shift to arguing no evidence she committed the killings
  • background on the mistrial and deadlocked jury
  • Clancy’s mental state and postpartum psychosis defense

Leaves out

  • prosecutors’ gag order motion
  • allegations of the holdout juror’s cellphone use during deliberations

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 8 headlines from the leftHide the headlines

From the center

2 outlets

Leads with

  • the striking shift in defense strategy
  • prosecutors’ claim that the state proved guilt
  • procedural next steps in the case

Leaves out

  • prosecutors’ gag order motion
  • allegations of the holdout juror’s cellphone use during deliberations

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 3 headlines from the centerHide the headlines

From the right

15 outlets

Leads with

  • prosecutors’ gag order request over defense comments on the holdout juror
  • allegations the holdout juror used his phone during deliberations
  • legal options for the state, including retrial, lesser charges or dismissal

Leaves out

  • BBC/PBS framing that prosecutors say the state already proved guilt

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 17 headlines from the rightHide the headlines

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    1 day 8 hr later

    Its first report, Sep 29, 5:00 AM EDT

  • Center

    21 hr 52 min later

    Its first report, Sep 28, 6:40 PM EDT

  • Right

    First to report

    RedState, Sep 27, 8:49 PM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. RedStateFar RightSep 27, 8:49 PM EDT
  2. Fox NewsFar RightSep 27, 9:19 PM EDT
  3. Washington ExaminerRightSep 27, 11:26 PM EDT
  4. New York PostRightSep 28, 6:31 AM EDT
  5. Breitbart NewsFar RightSep 28, 11:37 AM EDT
  6. The Daily WireFar RightSep 28, 12:36 PM EDT
  7. PBS NewsHourCenterSep 28, 6:40 PM EDT
  8. The Washington PostLeftSep 29, 5:00 AM EDT
  9. The New York TimesLeftSep 29, 5:03 AM EDT
  10. NBC NewsLeftSep 29, 7:36 AM EDT
  11. Daily MailRightSep 29, 8:43 AM EDT
  12. CBS NewsLeftSep 29, 8:56 AM EDT
  13. PJ MediaFar RightSep 29, 9:52 AM EDT
  14. The Washington TimesRightSep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
  15. The GuardianLeftSep 29, 11:42 AM EDT
  16. ABC NewsLeftSep 29, 11:51 AM EDT
  17. TownhallFar RightSep 29, 1:15 PM EDT
  18. The Epoch TimesFar RightSep 29, 1:17 PM EDT
  19. BBC NewsCenterSep 29, 1:31 PM EDT
  20. NPRLeftSep 29, 2:00 PM EDT
  21. HuffPostFar LeftSep 29, 3:43 PM EDT
  22. TheBlazeFar RightSep 29, 5:17 PM EDT
  23. The Western JournalFar RightSep 29, 5:35 PM EDT
  24. One America NewsFar RightSep 29, 7:46 PM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out. Just the News gave only a date, so it is not placed.

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