In a dramatic conclusion to a trial that has gripped, saddened and divided the nation, the judge declared a mistrial in the case of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admits to killing her three children in 2023.

The trial collapsed without a verdict after the jury deliberated for roughly 38 hours but could not reach a consensus over whether Clancy was criminally responsible for the killings. The nine women and three men had twice already told the judge earlier this week they couldn’t reach a unanimous decision and had been sent back to deliberate further. But today, they came back once more, declaring that “with a heavy heart” they could not “and will not be able to” reach a consensus.

After a last-ditch appeal to the state’s highest court from the defense was denied, Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial. He thanked the jury, which was split 11-1, for their efforts and hard work in serving on such a difficult case, and set a status hearing for 29 September.

The Plymouth county district attorney said it would not make a decision on whether to pursue a retrial today. Tim Cruz told reporters outside the courthouse that this case was “not about the healthcare system or how women are treated in it”. The case, he said, “was and has always been about getting justice for those three little babies. We’re here at this courthouse today because those children are not.”

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