Serialously with Annie Elise
Serialously with Annie Elise

Social Media Labeling Patrick Clancy as Chris Watts 2.0 | Saying He Killed His Kids & Framed Lindsay

August 10, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The Internet's Theory That Patrick Clancy Killed His Own Children

When Annie Elise first saw people suggesting that Patrick Clancy—not his wife Lindsay—had murdered their three children, she dismissed them as conspiracy theorists. Within 48 hours, hundreds of thousands of people were sharing that same sentiment across social media, comparing Patrick to Chris Watts and arguing that Lindsay Clancy was framed for a crime she didn't commit. The trial was already underway, and Lindsay had signed an admission of guilt. But the online speculation had grown so loud that Elise felt she needed to lay out every theory, every inconsistency, and let her audience decide.

The Crime Scene Questions That Fueled the Theory

The case itself is not in dispute on the basic facts: on January 24, 2023, in Duxbury, Massachusetts, three children—Cora, Dawson, and Callin Clancy—were killed using exercise bands. Their mother Lindsay was found unresponsive in the backyard after falling from a second-story window, suffering severe spinal injuries that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She was treated for superficial cuts to her wrists and neck. Patrick Clancy discovered the children and called 911.

Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.

Read Full Summary →

Free • No credit card required

What you'll learn

  • 1 (01:39) **Episode Introduction & Host's Stated Position** - Annie Elise introduces the episode as a follow-up to the Lindsay Clancy case, noting the trial is underway and a massive social media theory has emerged claiming Patrick Clancy is the real killer.
  • 2 (11:27) **Crime Scene & Communication with First Responders** - The first theory examines why Lindsay was unresponsive to first responders but reportedly spoke to Patrick, telling him she tried to kill herself and that the kids were in the basement.
  • 3 (14:12) **The Thyroid Injury & Strangulation Theory** - Lindsay suffered a crushed thyroid, an injury located in the front of the neck, which some interpret as evidence of a strangulation attempt, possibly with the same exercise bands used on the children.
  • 4 (17:51) **Crushed Pills & Staging an Overdose** - Crushed pills were found on a nightstand next to a cup labeled "because kids," leading to speculation that they were administered to Lindsay (or the children) by Patrick to impair her.
  • 5 (23:02) **Nanny Testimony & Alleged Affairs** - The family's former nanny, Elaine Rossi, testified that Lindsay was a wonderful, safety-conscious mother and that she was hired primarily to help Patrick, not Lindsay.
  • 6 (25:07) **Lindsay's Change of Health Proxy** - While hospitalized after the murders, Lindsay requested to change her health care proxy from Patrick to her parents, a decision a psychiatrist confirmed she made with sound mind.
  • 7 (27:47) **The 911 Call Delay & Phone Issues** - Patrick testified that his phone toggled between Wi-Fi and regular calls, causing a delay in reaching dispatch, which he said nearly led him to call out for neighbors.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Show Notes

For more than three years, the Lindsay Clancy case has been viewed through one lens. But now, a growing wave of online theories is challenging that narrative, with some questioning whether Patrick Clancy's actions before, during, and after that tragic day deserve a closer look. 
.
Lindsay Clancy Deep Dive
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-to-life/id1841942565
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yLKPOt94HdrzVUoqEpZVa
.
If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow the show for weekly deep dives into the darkest true crime cases! To watch the video version of this episode, head over to youtube.com/@annieelise
.
🔎Join Our True Crime Club & Get Exclusive Content & Perks.
.
🎧 Need More to Binge? 
Listen to both of my weekly true crime series 10 to Life & Serialously with Annie Elise wherever you get your podcasts on the Annie Elise Channel!
🍎 Apple Podcasts | Where you can also unlock access to 100+ and growing extra exclusive deep dives.
💚 Spotify
🔴 YouTube
🎙️ All Other Platforms
.
📸 Follow Annie on Socials 
Instagram: @_annieelise
TikTok: @_annieelise
Substack: @annieelise
Facebook: @10toLife
.
⭐Sponsors
Our Place: Visit http://fromourplace.com/SERIALOUSLY and use code SERIALOUSLY for 10% off sitewide.
Helix: Go to http://helixsleep.com/serialously for 20% off sidewide. Exclusive for listeners of Serialously with Annie Elise.
Factor: Head to http://factormeals.com/ae50off and use code ae50off to get 50% off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year.
Dose: Head to http://dosedaily.co/ANNIE or enter ANNIE to get 35% off your first subscription.
Willie’s Remedy: Order now at http://drinkwillies.com and use code SERIALOUSLY for 20% off of your first order + free shipping on orders over $95.
.
👗 Shop Annie’s Must-Haves! 
ShopMY: bit.ly/AnnieElise_ShopMy 
Amazon: Serialously with Annie Elise