The lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial has retained attorney Edward Paltzik, who has previously represented Donald Trump in high-profile lawsuits. Michael P. Desronvil’s refusal to join the other 11 jurors resulted in a mistrial after the panel could not reach a unanimous verdict. His attorney said Desronvil is focused on his health, safety and well-being while prosecutors consider whether to retry the case.
Clancy is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the January 2023 deaths of her children, Cora, Dawson and Callan. The children were found strangled at the family’s home in Duxbury, Massachusetts. A status hearing is scheduled for September 29, when the future of the case could become clearer.
| 1) | Holdout juror hires attorney after mistrial |
| 2) | Desronvil explains his position on the evidence |
| 3) | Paltzik’s previous high-profile legal work |
| 4) | Debate over juror privacy and public scrutiny |
| 5) | Next steps for the Clancy prosecution |
Holdout juror hires attorney after mistrial
Paltzik confirmed on September 18 that he represents Desronvil, the juror whose position prevented a unanimous verdict in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial on September 4 after the jury remained divided 11-1. The case was heard in Plymouth County Superior Court in Massachusetts and concerned the deaths of Clancy’s three children in January 2023.
Paltzik said Desronvil would not participate in additional media interviews for now. He described the juror as an “American hero” and a “Champion of justice,” while saying the immediate priority was protecting his health, safety and well-being.
Desronvil explains his position on the evidence
Desronvil has said he believed prosecutors proved that Clancy was criminally responsible for the killings. He said his conclusion was based on the physical evidence, testimony from key witnesses and the prosecution’s presentation during the trial.
“I didn’t have any doubts. As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence present.”
He also said he believed the evidence showed Clancy knew what she was doing and had planned the killings. His public explanation came after attention focused on the lone dissenting juror and the effect of his position on the trial’s outcome.
Paltzik’s previous high-profile legal work
Paltzik previously represented Donald Trump in a lawsuit against The New York Times involving claims that coverage falsely portrayed Trump’s business success as fraudulent before the 2024 presidential election. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2025 and later refiled.
He was also involved in litigation against CBS over an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Paramount Global agreed in July 2025 to pay $16 million, which the company said would be directed toward Trump’s future presidential library. Paltzik also represented Trump in a lawsuit against ABC News that settled for $15 million, with the funds likewise designated for the future library.
In a separate case, Paltzik represents Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour, friends of Nolan Wells, who disappeared after a July 4 boat trip near Mississippi’s Horn Island. Wells’ remains were found on July 6. Paltzik said the three men were innocent and had been targeted by false social media allegations.
Debate over juror privacy and public scrutiny
Mark Astor, a former prosecutor and behavioral health law expert, said Desronvil’s decision to retain counsel suggests he believes he must defend his reputation. Astor said the juror may have felt attacked by other jurors and by Clancy defense attorney Kevin Reddington outside the courthouse after the mistrial.
“The whole idea of the jury is sort of this sacred arena where jurors get to decide a verdict in a case. And now we’re taking what is really a sacred arena and we’re exposing it to the public.”
Astor said the level of public exposure could threaten confidence in jury service by making potential jurors less willing to participate. The dispute highlights the tension between public interest in a closely watched criminal case and the privacy traditionally afforded to jurors.
Next steps for the Clancy prosecution
Plymouth County prosecutors are considering whether to retry Clancy after the mistrial. Clancy’s attorneys have also raised the possibility of resolving the case without a second jury trial, although no final outcome was identified in the available information.
Clancy is scheduled to return to court on September 29 for a status hearing. That proceeding may provide additional information about whether prosecutors will pursue another trial, how the defense will respond and what procedural steps will follow the jury’s 11-1 split.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Michael P. Desronvil retained attorney Edward Paltzik after the Clancy trial ended in a mistrial. |
| 2 | The jury was divided 11-1 over three first-degree murder charges. |
| 3 | Desronvil said he believed the prosecution proved Clancy’s criminal responsibility. |
| 4 | Prosecutors are weighing a retrial, while the defense has discussed alternatives. |
| 5 | A status hearing is set for September 29. |
Summary
The retention of counsel by the lone holdout juror has added a new legal and public-relations dimension to the Clancy case. Desronvil maintains that the evidence supported a guilty finding, while his attorney seeks to shield him from further public attacks. The case’s legal direction now depends on the prosecution’s decision about a retrial and developments at the September 29 hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Clancy trial end in a mistrial?
The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. The panel was reportedly divided 11-1, leading Judge William Sullivan to declare a mistrial on September 4.
What does Michael P. Desronvil say about the case?
Desronvil says he believed prosecutors proved Clancy was criminally responsible and that the evidence showed she knew what she was doing and had planned the killings.
What happens next in the case?
Plymouth County prosecutors will decide whether to seek a new trial. Clancy is scheduled for a status hearing on September 29, where the court may receive an update.
