DeSantis offers asylum to holdout juror in Clancy trial

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis offered asylum to the lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, calling a recent report about the juror's past a smear campaign. The offer came after NBC10 Boston published an investigation detailing the unnamed juror's history, including a dismissed domestic violence charge and an active restraining order. The report, published on September 11, 2026, raised questions about the jury vetting process in the high-profile case. It cited court documents showing the juror was charged in September 2021 with assaulting his wife, an incident allegedly witnessed by his teenage nephew. The charge was later dismissed after the couple divorced. The same nephew later obtained a restraining order against the juror, alleging assault, which was reportedly active during jury selection. Massachusetts juror questionnaires ask prospective jurors about arrests, charges, or court orders. The report indicated these questions appeared relevant to the holdout juror, though his answers are not public. The investigation also revealed the juror was facing an eviction case for over $12,000 in unpaid rent, with a judgment issued while the jury was deliberating.