Lindsay Clancy trial update: Chris Benoit finds support online as fears about ‘copycat’ killings grow

Lindsay Clancy, accused of killing her children, found support during her trial, leading many online to wonder why Chris Benoit didn't get such support.

Lindsay Clancy stands accused of killing her three children – Cora, Dawson, and Callan. She is currently facing trial in Massachusetts.

The support Lindsay Clancy is getting during her trial made netizens question why Chris Benoit didn't get the same when he killed his wife, child, and then himself. (AP Pool Photo)

Lindsay Clancy's lawyers said she does not deny carrying out the physical acts that caused the deaths. However, they are arguing Lindsay be found not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility. Today during the trial, psychologist Kirk Heilbrun testified that he believed Lindsay to be ‘criminally responsible’ for taking the lives of her children.

Deep Dive

What evidence did the prosecution present regarding Lindsay Clancy's mental state during the killings?

Why do some supporters claim Lindsay Clancy's case is similar to Chris Benoit's?

How did Lindsay Clancy's attorney argue for her lack of criminal responsibility?

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Amid the trial, Lindsay Clancy has found widespread support online and from those who have gathered outside the court. Many women have shown up with reports noting some recited the Lord's prayers while another report mentioned ‘pink lady’ supporters holding a rally. This has led many to question why others in similar cases did not get the same kind of support even as a section of people online have started worrying about ‘copycat’ killings.

Netizens have been pointing to the Chris Benoit case saying he deserved their support as well.

Lindsay Clancy case: Chris Benoit finds online support

Many online have spoken about supporting Chris Benoit as Lindsay Clancy has gained supporters amid her trial.

“I don't remember a single man defending Chris Benoit when he murdered his kids,” one wrote. Another added “Chris Benoit should have got your support years ago.” Yet another said “So Chris Benoit is guilty (even though chances are he was framed), but Lindsay Clancy is innocent when she irrefutably commits literal murder of her own 3 children.”

Notably, these claims could not be independently verified.

Chris Benoit was a world-famous wrestler. On June 25, 2007, cops found Benoit's wife Nancy strangled to death and their 7-year-old son Daniel appeared to be suffocated in their Fayetteville, Georgia home. Bibles had been found next to their bodies and Benoit was found hanging from a weight machine in the basement. The case had been ruled a ‘double homicide-suicide’.

Lindsay Clancy case sparks ‘copycat’ killer fears

Amid this, a case from Mandan, North Dakota, has sparked fears of ‘copycat’ killings. Kailey Erhart, a 22-year-old, attacked her three children on August 6.

She stabbed her children as per reports. The 5-month-old and a 3-year-old died but Colton, the one-year-old boy survived. Earhart was found by cops with a knife to her own throat, and she reportedly told officers to kill her after dropping said knife.

Erhart reportedly chased the children’s father and grandmother from the home with a knife and also told the father ‘Say goodbye to your kids.’ She now faces charges including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of terrorizing with a dangerous weapon, three counts of aggravated assault and one misdemeanor count of domestic violence.

LifeSite News, a conservative publication, reported ‘Lindsay Clancy appears to have inspired copycat murderers.’ Another X profile said “Inspired by Lindsay Clancy, a mom just slashed the throats of her 3 young children. The 5-month-old and 3-year-old didn't make it. Miraculously, the 1-year-old survived and is in the hospital now with his father. Will link the GoFundMe, because it has barely raised anything!”.

However, there's no official statement on the Erhart being a ‘copycat’ of Lindsay Clancy.