A Massachusetts woman was arrested outside the Lindsay Clancy murder trial Tuesday after allegedly filming jurors in the courthouse parking lot — then lying to state police about it.
The incident highlights growing concerns about juror safety and intimidation in high-profile cases, particularly those that have attracted passionate public attention and divided opinions on social media. Courts across the country have increasingly struggled to protect the anonymity and security of jurors serving in cases that generate intense media coverage and public interest.
Dawn Light, 56, was taken into custody and charged with attempted jury intimidation after prosecutors said officers found deleted videos on her phone showing people leaving the courthouse.
The charge of attempted jury intimidation is a serious offense that can carry significant penalties, as it strikes at the heart of the justice system’s ability to function. Jurors must be able to deliberate freely without fear of outside influence, harassment, or retaliation. Even the perception that jurors are being watched, followed, or recorded can compromise their ability to render an impartial verdict based solely on the evidence presented in court.
Prosecutors said state police were informed that someone may have been filming jurors in the courtroom parking lot. Officers responded and found Light in a car parked in a restricted area, then asked her whether she was filming or taking pictures of anyone in the parking lot.
“She was adamant she was not. She stated she was waiting to see if Lindsay Clancy would come out of the building.”
Assistant District Attorney Nicole Piacentini said Light allowed state police to search her phone — where officers found deleted videos showing several people leaving the courthouse that appeared to have been taken from Light’s vantage point in the car.
The fact that the videos had been deleted raised additional questions for investigators about Light’s intent and awareness that her actions may have been problematic. Digital forensics experts note that deleted content can often be recovered from mobile devices, and the attempt to delete such material can sometimes be viewed as consciousness of guilt, though it does not necessarily prove criminal intent.
Dawn Light leaving Lindsay Clancy court. https://t.co/jaEcE7Lbtppic.twitter.com/bz7kTEG41g
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 2, 2026
Light told CT Insider on Wednesday that she had been trying to record Clancy, who is on trial after allegedly taking the lives of her three young children, but would quickly lower the phone once she realized that the person she was recording was not the defendant.
Her explanation suggests she may not have understood the legal boundaries around recording individuals at a courthouse, or the potential impact such actions could have on jurors who might reasonably feel threatened or monitored. The distinction between filming a defendant, which itself raises legal and ethical questions, and inadvertently capturing jurors may become central to her defense.
Light added that a court employee approached her and asked if she worked at the courthouse. When she said no, the employee asked for her driver’s license and phone. She offered her license, but refused to hand over her phone, prompting the employee to summon state troopers.
“That’s the long and the short of it,” Light told CT Insider. “I don’t know how I intimidated anyone.”
News Nation Senior National Correspondent Brian Entin said that Light is a retired nurse with no prior criminal history and has agreed to stay away from the court and to preserve all potential evidence.
Her lack of criminal history may work in her favor as the case proceeds, potentially supporting an argument that she did not understand the seriousness of her actions or intend to intimidate jurors. However, prosecutors will likely argue that intent can be inferred from her behavior, including the initial denial, the deletion of videos, and her presence in a restricted area.
The judge released her on personal recognizance under several conditions.
The case has drawn national attention, with many women gathering at the courthouse in support of Clancy. While Clancy does not deny taking the lives of her children, she maintains that she acted under the overwhelming effects of postpartum psychosis.
The debate surrounding postpartum mental health issues has intensified throughout this trial, with advocacy groups using the case to highlight what they describe as inadequate screening, treatment, and public understanding of severe postpartum psychiatric conditions. This broader controversy has contributed to the heightened emotions and public engagement surrounding the proceedings, creating an atmosphere that legal experts say can complicate efforts to seat and protect an impartial jury.
The charges remain allegations. The case has not been proven in court.
Full details here on retired nurse accused of juror intimidation in Lindsay Clancy trial. She was just in court. pic.twitter.com/ppDoqjBdNS
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 2, 2026
