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Who is Emily Thorndike? Lindsay Clancy's attorney demands testimony of ex-McLean Hospital therapist after TikTok video

Lindsay Clancy's attorney aims to summon former McLean Hospital therapist Emily Thorndike to testify about the facility's conditions.

Published on: Aug 11, 2026, 19:48:19 IST
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Lindsay Clancy's attorney intends to summon a woman who was previously employed at the mental health facility where Clancy resided shortly before the tragic incident involving her children.

Lindsay Clancy trial: Kevin Reddington, defense attorney gestures as he cross-examines a witness during the murder trial for Lindsay Clancy at Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Mass., on Thursday, July 30, 2026. (CJ Gunther/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) (CJ Gunther/Pool The Boston Heral)
Lindsay Clancy trial: Kevin Reddington, defense attorney gestures as he cross-examines a witness during the murder trial for Lindsay Clancy at Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Mass., on Thursday, July 30, 2026. (CJ Gunther/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) (CJ Gunther/Pool The Boston Heral)

Kevin Reddington, Clancy's attorney, informed the judge that a woman had shared a video on TikTok expressing her frustration over the misinformation regarding McLean Hospital, where Clancy was admitted for five days in early January 2023.

Lindsay Clancy: Woman was former therapist at McLean Hospital

Reddington sought to have the woman, a therapist who had worked at McLean a year prior to Clancy's admission due to suicidal ideation, testify regarding the hospital's conditions and staffing levels during holiday periods.

The therapist, Emily Thorndike, is described as being “is available, ready, willing and able to testify about an employees’ opinion as to what a woeful environment McLean offers especially on holidays … nobody was there,” Reddington said.

Clancy was admitted to McLean from January 1 to January 5, 2023, and she tragically took the lives of her children on January 24, 2023.

Also Read: Who is Julie Paul? Psychiatric nurse reveals Lindsay Clancy's worsening symptoms & medication issues, ‘She was really…’

Clancy lawyer speaks out against McLean Hospital

“[Jurors] are left with the impression that McLean was this wonderful place and [Clancy] didn’t have any interest in utilizing what was available to her,” Reddington said.

Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham contended that Thorndike should not be permitted to testify, as she was no longer employed at the hospital during Clancy's stay and had been following the trial, expressing her belief that the case is "an abomination."

Here's what Judge William Sullivan said

“I can’t imagine that witness would be allowed to give her review of McLean. This is not Trip Advisor. I wouldn’t allow that," Judge William Sullivan said.

Sullivan stated that he might permit some preliminary questioning of Thorndike regarding holiday staffing, conducted outside the jury's presence, to determine if her testimony should be allowed.

This entire discussion took place prior to the jury's arrival in the courtroom on Tuesday morning.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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