Husband 'forgives' wife who reportedly strangled to death their 3 kids
Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide and other mental health problems.
The husband of a Massachusetts woman who allegedly strangled to death their three children—including an eight-month-old—said he has forgiven her already, and urged the public to follow suit.
Lindsay Clancy, a nurse, was charged with murder after allegedly killing Cora (5), Dawson (3), and Callan (8 months) while her husband Patrick was out getting food. Lindsay also reportedly tried to take her own life.
Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Lindsay for two counts of homicide, three counts of strangulation, and three counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, NBC News reported.
She remains hospitalized, while prosecutors would be arraigning her on murder charges as soon as they could, according to NBC News.
"I want to ask all of you that you find it deep within yourselves to forgive Lindsay, as I have," Patrick said in a statement.
"The real Lindsay was generously loving and caring towards everyone—me, our kids, family, friends, and her patients. The very fibers of her soul are loving. All I wish for her now is that she can somehow find peace."
Without providing details, Patrick took note of his wife's condition she's reportedly struggling with. Authorities, meanwhile, believe she could be suffering from postpartum psychosis.
Not to be confused with postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis can come within a couple of weeks after birth. While those who get it had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, most patients have no previous psychiatric problems, WebMD noted.
Symptoms include:
- Belief in something that’s not real (delusions)
- Seeing, hearing, or experiencing imaginary things (hallucinations)
- Agitation
- Heightened energy or sex drive
- Depression, anxiety, or confusion
- Insomnia
- Paranoia and suspicious feelings
- Constant mood swings
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
In any case, Patrick said their marriage was "wonderful and diametrically grew stronger."
He noted that people can have "bad days," and that nothing matched Lindsay's "intense love" for their kids and dedication to being a mother.
“She’s recently been portrayed largely by people who have never met her and never knew who the real Lindsay was," Patrick said.
He also remembered their children, noting the shock and pain are "excruciating and relentless."
"I’m constantly reminded of them and with the little sleep I get, I dream about them on repeat," he said. "Cora, Dawson, and Callan were the essence of my life and I’m completely lost without them."
Patrick's relative, meanwhile, started an online fundraiser via GoFundMe to help pay for his medical bills, funeral services, and legal fees.
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If you think you, your friend, or your family member is considering self-harm or suicide, you may call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide, landline toll-free), 0966-351-4518 or 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe/TM users, or 0908-639-2672 for Smart users.
