Clancy Mistrial: Defense Asks Court To Probe Holdout Juror's Phone Use; Juror's Lawyer Calls Motion Retaliatory

The mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy case has shifted attention to a single holdout juror after an 11–1 split left the panel deadlocked. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington has filed a motion asking Judge William Sullivan to investigate juror Michael Desronvil's conduct during deliberations, including a request to review cellphone records and the juror's pretrial questionnaire.

What the Motion Seeks

Reddington's filing asks the court to examine whether Desronvil used his phone during deliberations and to review any prior records that could be relevant to his role on the jury. The motion was prompted in part by media interviews with jurors who described disagreements about Clancy's mental state and how the panel arrived at its views.

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Juror Conduct Allegations

Several jurors said the panel could not reach unanimity because they differed on whether Clancy was not guilty by reason of insanity. One juror later alleged that Desronvil was "scrolling on his phone" while deliberations were underway. Reports also say that Desronvil searched terms such as "psychosis" and "altruistic filicide" during deliberations to better understand clinical and legal concepts discussed in the case.

Response From Desronvil's Counsel

Edward Paltzik, who represents Desronvil, has strongly opposed the motion. On social media and in broadcast interviews he described the request as punitive and argued that it threatens the independence of jurors. Paltzik said jurors must be free to deliberate without fear of retaliation and characterized Reddington's filing as an attempt to punish a juror for failing to deliver a unanimous verdict.

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"He was unable to get the 12 to 0 that he needed. And 12 to 0 and 11 to 1 are not the same thing. One is enough for a verdict and one is a hung jury," Paltzik said in an interview. "Kevin Reddington is a sore loser."

Public Reaction and Other Developments

The holdout juror has received substantial public financial support since the mistrial, and media coverage of the split verdict has been intense. NBC drew criticism for an investigative segment about the juror. Insiders have also told entertainment outlets that Reddington has accused Desronvil of violating his juror oath and has sought sanctions; Desronvil is reportedly considering a complaint against Reddington in response.

Legal Context and Next Steps

Paltzik has also made strong public comments about the underlying case and the defendant; he expressed a personal view that Clancy should face the harshest penalty possible, though capital punishment is not constitutional in Massachusetts. The court is scheduled to reconvene on September 29 to consider Reddington's motions and decide whether to grant any inquiry into juror conduct.

Sources: Court filings and reporting by multiple outlets, including The Blast, NewsNation and local coverage of post-mistrial interviews.