Patrick Clancy Speaks Out for First Time Since Ex-Wife’s Mistrial
Patrick Clancy revealed that his ex-wife described killing their three young children as feeling like a dream. This grim detail emerged during his first major interview since the murder trial ended in a mistrial. The conversation aired on Sunday night on CBS’ “60 Minutes” with correspondent Ross Douthat. Clancy spoke about the immediate aftermath of the January 2023 tragedy in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
Clancy told the journalist that he asked his former wife if she remembered the event. “She said it was like a dream,” he recalled during the broadcast. He noted that her recollection of the event mirrored how one recalls a dream upon awakening. This statement came after the jury could not reach a verdict on the charges against Lindsay Clancy. The trial involved the deaths of 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan.
Per the New York Post, Clancy also addressed the public reaction to the case. He noted that headlines called her a “monster” and a “killer mom,” terms he felt were not accurate. He attributed her actions to severe mental illness rather than pure malice. “I believe that it was her mental illness that caused that,” he said to the reporter. His own mental state led him to seek peace rather than anger.
Patrick Clancy talks about the final days with his 8-month-old son, Callan.
“I really thought there was a chance that Callan would live,” he tells 60 Minutes. “And remember just thinking, ‘Just gimme one. Just gimme one kid,’ and I would raise him as best I could, and I would… pic.twitter.com/5HMfnujj1d
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 20, 2026
When asked if Lindsay ever asked for his forgiveness, Clancy gave a simple answer. “No,” he answered, before adding, “But I gave it to her.” He explained that holding onto anger would have consumed him inside forever. This stance was clear even when he set up a GoFundMe page for the family shortly after the killings.
Clancy has moved forward with his life since the tragedy. He remarried in April to Rachel Danis, an infertility specialist. The couple now lives in New York City and plans to start a new family. They intend to tell their future children about Cora, Dawson, and Callan before they were tragically slain. This hope marks a stark contrast to the pain of the past few years.
In the aftermath of the death of Patrick Clancy’s children, many found it inconceivable that he would forgive his wife, Lindsay Clancy.
On 60 Minutes, Patrick tells 60 Minutes that Lindsay never asked for his forgiveness after killing their three children.
“I think when it… pic.twitter.com/BNNeqwXrzq
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 20, 2026
The legal proceedings concluded earlier this month with a declaration of a mistrial. One juror alone rejected the claim that Lindsay lacked criminal responsibility due to insanity. The other eleven jurors believed she suffered from postpartum psychosis. Per RedState, this split decision caused massive controversy across the nation. The state’s choice to pursue a retrial for Lindsay regarding the killings is still uncertain.
Clancy continues to honor his children through specific actions. In 2024, he completed the Boston Marathon to honor their memory. The Clancy Family Playground in Duxbury was also established with his assistance. His sisters and he founded the Heard Foundation to improve perinatal mental-health care. These efforts focus on the memory of his lost children and helping other families.
Callan survived for four days after the attack before passing away. Clancy recalled holding his son and laying down next to him in the hospital. “And he died in my arms,” Clancy revealed to Douthat. The father said he thought there was a chance Callan would live but saw the doctor’s face and knew otherwise. This final memory remains a heavy part of his story.