Clancy Jurors Face Threats After 1 Holdout Was Exposed, Clouding Sept. 29 Retrial Decision
Updated
Updated · Turn to 10 · Sep 18
Clancy Jurors Face Threats After 1 Holdout Was Exposed, Clouding Sept. 29 Retrial Decision
3 articles · Updated · Turn to 10 · Sep 18
Summary
A juror in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial said online threats against panel members, their families and workplaces have driven some jurors to “shut down” after the mistrial.
One holdout juror’s identity was exposed online after a TV report examined his criminal history, and Michael Desronvil then publicly identified himself while saying he believed prosecutors had proved Clancy planned the killings.
Legal experts said that scrutiny undermines juror independence and could deter people from serving in high-profile cases if unpopular verdicts bring doxxing or harassment.
Former prosecutor Margaret McLean and fair-trial advocate Cole Goldberg said courts may need stronger juror protections, with Goldberg arguing a bench trial may be the only realistic option if Clancy is retried.
Plymouth County prosecutors have not said whether they will seek another trial after the mistrial; a status hearing is set for Sept. 29.