Clancy Holdout Juror Retains Former Trump Attorney Edward Paltzik
The lone juror whose dissent forced a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy murder case has hired attorney Edward Paltzik, who previously represented President Donald Trump in high-profile media lawsuits. Paltzik says the juror, Michael P. Desronvil, is an 'American hero' who needs legal protection as his reputation is attacked.
The lone juror whose holdout forced a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy murder case has retained attorney Edward Paltzik, a lawyer who previously represented President Donald Trump in several high-profile lawsuits against major media outlets. Paltzik confirmed Friday that he is representing Michael P. Desronvil, the juror who voted against convicting Clancy and prevented a unanimous verdict.
Clancy, 36, faced three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of her children — 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan — who were found strangled at the family's home in January 2023. Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial on Sept. 4 after the jury reported it was deadlocked 11-1.
Desronvil has publicly defended his decision, saying he never wavered in his belief that prosecutors proved Clancy was criminally responsible. «I didn't have any doubts. As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence present,» Desronvil said in a statement first reported by NewsNation and confirmed by Paltzik. «Based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses and what the prosecution presents, I thought it was enough proof that she knew exactly what she was doing and planned.»
Paltzik's legal resume includes representing Trump in his lawsuit against The New York Times, which alleged the newspaper falsely portrayed his business success as fraudulent ahead of the 2024 presidential election. That case was dismissed in 2025 but has since been refiled. Paltzik was also involved in Trump's lawsuit against CBS over allegations that «60 Minutes» selectively edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. In July 2025, Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million, which the company said would go toward Trump's future presidential library. Paltzik also represented Trump in a lawsuit against ABC News that settled for $15 million, with funds directed to the same library.
In another high-profile matter, Paltzik is representing three friends of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old who went missing July 4 after a boat trip to Horn Island off Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Wells' remains were found two days later. Paltzik began representing the friends in August after social media influencers made what he described as false allegations about them. «We are proud to stand with and fight for three completely innocent young men,» Paltzik said in a statement alongside Mississippi attorney Tyler Cox. «Those who wish to continue trafficking in lies about these Good Ocean Springs People will be held accountable to the maximum extent of the law.»
Paltzik said Desronvil will not conduct additional media interviews at this time, calling him an «American hero» and «Champion of justice.» «We are focused entirely on his health, safety, and well-being. There will be a time for accountability and a time for the real story of the Lindsay Clancy Trial to be told. But not right now,» Paltzik said on X. «This American Hero and Champion of Justice thanks all of you who have stood by him for your kindness, prayers, and support.»
Mark Astor, a former prosecutor and behavioral health law expert, told Fox News Digital that Desronvil has clearly retained counsel to «stand up for himself.» Astor said the juror's name and reputation are being «dragged through the mud» and that he has faced attacks not only from other jurors but also from Clancy's attorney, Kevin Reddington, outside the courthouse after the mistrial was declared.
Astor warned that the public exposure of the Clancy jury threatens a system that depends on citizens being willing to serve. «The whole idea of the jury is sort of this sacred arena where jurors get to decide a verdict in a case. And now we're taking what is really a sacred arena and we're exposing it to the public,» he said.
Clancy is due back in court on Sept. 29 for a status hearing, where more information about the future of her case may be revealed. Plymouth County prosecutors are weighing whether to retry Clancy, while her attorneys have raised the prospect of resolving the case without a second jury trial.
