Lindsay Clancy's lawyer begs jury to demonstrate mercy in tense ending points: 'She was a rattling beneficial mom' – Exist modifications

‘When you consider what is at stake here, Cora, Dawson and Callan,’ Reddington said as he goes to pick up a poster.

‘They are the victims in this case.’

Reddington went on the say, ‘This prosecution has ripped the soul of this defendant.’

He said that what ruined the family was medication and the ‘lousy medical care that she got.’

‘This young lady did nothing wrong in her life. She was a nurse a daughter a wife and a damn good mother,’ Reddington said.

‘Why did we spend a week showing you the extent and severity of that suicide attempt,’ Reddington said.

‘The reason we did that is because they were arguing it was a fake suicide attempt.’

He said the prosecution described her suicide attempt as ‘dinky little cuts,’ and ‘sliding down the house.’

‘Lindsay screwed up and she hurt herself bad? You know that’s not what happened,’ Reddington said.

‘She made a very significant suicide attempt.’

He slammed a coin down on the state table and pointed at the prosecutors looking furious.

‘I challenge you to tell the jury why you spent a week on the suicide,’ Reddington said.

Judge Sullivan warned him to speak to the jury.

Kevin Reddington has started to deliver closing arguments.

He began by thanking the jury for their service.

‘You have listened to evidence, been fair, listened to the judges instructions,’ Reddington said.

Judge Sullivan explained what the state must prove for manslaughter.

Manslaughter

She caused deathsShe intended the conduct that caused the deathsThat her conduct was wanton or reckless

Judge Sullivan then went over the requirements for second-degree murder.

Second-degree murder

Caused deaths of Cora, Dawson and CallanAnd intended to kill or cause GBH or do an act that reasonable person would know would likely result in death

The difference is that the killings do not have the ‘extreme atrocity or cruelty’ element, Sullivan said.

Lindsay Clancy appeared to wipe tears from her eyes as the judge read the names of her children as he gave the jury instructions.

Judge Sullivan explained the factors they must consider for first-degree murder.

First-degree murder with premeditation:

1. Caused the death of Cora, Dawson and Callan

2. Intended to kill Cora, Dawson and Callan

3. Committed killing with deliberate premeditation

Premeditation does not require a certain timeframe – can be days, hours or even seconds.

First-degree murder with extreme atrocity or cruelty

1. Caused the death of Cora, Dawson and Callan

2. Intended to kill or cause great bodily harm (GBH) to Cora, Dawson and Callan

3. Knew that, in all likelihood, death would result

4. Act was extremely wicked, appalling, horrifying and excessive method

For each of these factors, the jury can consider her mental condition at the time of the killing including mental impairment and effects of drugs at the time, Sullivan said.

To find her guilty of any crime, the state bears burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt that she committed the crime and is criminally responsible, Judge Sullivan said.

The judge explained that there are two stages to criminal responsibility that the state must show:

1. If she did not suffer mental disease or defect then she can be held criminally responsible

2. If she did have a mental disease or defect, the state must show that it did not deprive her of being able to control her conduct or understand it was illegal or wrong

Clancy has been indicted on three counts of first degree murder – for Cora, Dawson and Callan, Sullivan said.

If found guilty of murder, the jury will determine which degree – first or second.

Court is beginning today with the judge reading the jury instructions.

Judge William Sullivan has noted to the jury that closing arguments are not evidence.

He is reminding them that the burden is on the state to prove she is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The room is full to the brim with dozens of media who have shown up for the first time. The court has increased the space for media.

Inside the room, the Massachusetts District Attorney Timothy Cruz is here.

He is sitting behind the prosecution’s table. The only other days he has been here was for openings – and the moment when Buckingham asked Sue Clancy about ‘mortal sin.’

It was his office that of course decided to prosecute Clancy.

There is also a row of Massachusetts State Police officers – several of whom have testified in this case for the state.

Clancy has just been brought in by her nurses. She is dressed in a pale blue blouse.

Clancy’s parents, Mike and Paula Musgrove, are here – as they have been every day. Her sister Allison Ozga is not.

With her parents is Reddington’s son Patrick Reddington, Whitey Bulger’s attorney JW Carney, Dr Paul Zeizel, a family friend and a couple of other defense experts.

ADA Shanan Buckingham has a black bow in her hair.