While we wait for the jury in the Lindsay Clancy case, I have one request for journalists, podcasters, media outlets, and social media sites that have followed this trial: whatever verdict ultimately comes in the horrific and brutal killing of three beautiful children, step away from the arguments about guilt, innocence, and criminal responsibility for just 10 minutes and read what I have known for years in my justice file editorial linked below. Massachusetts has a dark history in the way it has treated people, or actually not treated people, with mental illness and disabilities that continues to this very day. When the jury's work is finished, ours should begin. Whatever the verdict, Massachusetts must confront what this trial has revealed and demand meaningful changes to a mental health system that has failed vulnerable people and their families for generations. I've watched it fail from the vantage point of my courtroom. In the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with Cora, Dawson, and Callan. thejusticefile.com/2026/08/2…