Trial Day 10 · Court in 3 Minutes

Psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts Testifies She Saw No Signs of Psychosis During Telemedicine Treatment of Lindsay Clancy

On Day 10 of the trial, treating psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts testified regarding her care of Lindsay Clancy over 14 virtual telemedicine sessions from September 2022 until January 23, 2023—the day before the tragic incident. Dr. Tufts testified that she observed no signs of psychosis during any of her interactions with Clancy. On cross-examination, defense counsel highlighted Clancy’s severe depression, medication adjustments, sleep struggles, hospitalization at McLean Hospital, and reported fear of developing suicidal thoughts. On redirect, the prosecution emphasized that Clancy consistently denied suicidal or homicidal intent or plans, demonstrated self-advocacy, and was managed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Tufts noted that had Clancy expressed any plan to harm her children, she would have initiated involuntary commitment.

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The Hot Points

What mattered today

Dr. Tufts conducted 14 telemedicine sessions with Lindsay Clancy between September 2022 and January 2023 without ever meeting her in person prior to court testimony.

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Dr. Tufts testified that she observed no signs or symptoms of psychosis in Lindsay Clancy during any of their clinical interactions.

Source: REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1566, REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1567

During an October visit, Clancy reported severe adverse physical and psychological side effects after starting Zoloft, prompting Dr. Tufts to advise immediate discontinuation of the medication.

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Clancy spent four and a half days in a locked ward at McLean Hospital in early January due to depression, where she was diagnosed with major depression and recommended to discontinue Seroquel.

Source: REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1368, REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1383, REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1387, REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1417

On January 23, 2023—the day before the incident—Clancy presented with a depressed mood, flat affect, and racing heart, leading Dr. Tufts to increase her dosage of amitriptyline without recommending hospitalization.

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Dr. Tufts testified that Clancy consistently denied suicidal or homicidal intent or plans, noting that expressing a plan to harm herself or her children would have prompted an immediate Section 12 involuntary commitment.

Source: REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1782, REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1792, REV_CLANCY_DAY_10_592ab60a_SEG_1795

Prosecution

Points emphasized

Dr. Tufts testified that Lindsay Clancy demonstrated self-advocacy and medical sophistication by managing her appointment scheduling, asking questions, and seeking emergency room care when needed.

Dr. Tufts confirmed that Clancy consistently denied suicidal or homicidal ideation, plans, or intent during evaluations, explaining that a fear of having suicidal thoughts is clinically distinct from active suicidal ideation.

The prosecution elicited testimony that Clancy arranged for her mother to stay with her for support, which Dr. Tufts classified as a positive protective factor demonstrating good judgment and self-advocacy.

Dr. Tufts testified that Clancy did not report her November 16 emergency department visit to South Shore Hospital, her Trazodone prescription from that visit, or her use of weed gummies.

Defense

Points emphasized

Defense counsel established that Dr. Tufts treated Clancy exclusively through 14 virtual telemedicine appointments and had never evaluated her in person prior to court testimony, limiting physical observation.

Defense cross-examination highlighted Clancy's reports of severe depression, persistent sleep deprivation, emotional distress, and difficulty getting out of bed during her treatment period.

Defense counsel brought out that Clancy experienced severe physical and psychological reactions to Zoloft—including worsened insomnia, loss of appetite, diarrhea, all-day crying, and mental fog—requiring its discontinuation.

Defense counsel emphasized that Clancy had previously experienced postpartum anxiety after the birth of her second child, Dawson, and was prescribed multiple psychiatric medications during her 2022-2023 care.

Worth Knowing

Other developments from court

Dr. Tufts evaluated Lindsay Clancy using the PHQ-9 depression screening tool rather than administering the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale.

Dr. Tufts explained that the term 'deteriorating' in Clancy's electronic medical records was selected from a mandatory software drop-down menu rather than reflecting severe sudden decline.

Clancy's husband, Patrick, attended one virtual visit in mid-December and told Dr. Tufts that Clancy was not doing well after starting Seroquel, potentially stating providers were turning her into a 'zombie.'

Dr. Tufts testified that Zoloft carries an FDA black box warning for suicidal ideation for patients up to age 24, which she did not warn Clancy about because Clancy was older than 24.