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The Situation Room

ICE Detains San Diego Padres Staffer; Trump Postpones Canada Tariffs; Nolan Wells Death Investigation Continues; Defense Calls Witnesses in Lindsay Clancy Trial. Aired 10:30a-11a ET

Aired August 19, 2026 - 10:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[10:30:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PAMELA BROWN, CNN HOST: Happening now: President Trump is expected to nominate Dr. Heidi Overton as his next Food and Drug Administration commissioner. Overton is currently the deputy director of the White House's Domestic Policy Council, where she's played a central role in developing and executing the administration's health care agenda. The decision comes roughly three months after the previous commissioner stepped down amid intense pressure from the White House.

And bodycam footage shows the moment an Atlanta police officers used bolt cutters to open a trailer and rescue two young girls they say were kidnapped by their babysitter.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(CRYING)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Don't move, or I will shoot you!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I got the baby.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Don't move!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You got the baby?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right, stay where you are. Move your hands up.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're all right. Hey.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: I mean, just heart-stopping. The 4-year-old and 11-month-old sisters were missing for nearly two days. The children's mother told police the babysitter had gained her trust over about a year and was looking after them for the first time while she went out to dinner.

The 42-year-old woman was then taken into custody. Police say she had an outstanding warrant related to the kidnapping of a 4-day-old baby in Alabama back in 2021. Wow.

A spectacular sight from the moon. NASA just revealed new before-and- after images of a 60-foot-wide crater on the lunar surface. It was carved by the SpaceX rocket that crashed this month at more than 5,000 miles an hour.

And happening now: Defense attorneys in the Lindsay Clancy trial are calling witnesses this morning. Dr. Paul Zeizel, a clinical and forensic psychologist, is testifying. Yesterday, Clancy's former mother-in-law took the stand, and she described Lindsay as a wonderful mother who was a -- quote -- "very nurturing and very loving mom."

[10:35:06]

But she also told jurors that Lindsay was -- quote -- "begging for help."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUSAN CLANCY, FORMER MOTHER-IN-LAW OF LINDSAY CLANCY: She reached out to me in November and told me that she felt unwell. Mostly, she had insomnia. She was losing her appetite. She was very anxious and sad. She was begging for help.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: Clancy is the former nurse accused of murdering her three children in 2023. She pleaded not guilty. Her defense is arguing that a severe postpartum condition known as postpartum psychosis affected her mental state.

So let's go live now to CNN's Brynn Gingras.

Brynn, this testimony is so dramatic.

So dramatic, Pam.

BRYNN GINGRAS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And, look, you mentioned Paul Zeizel. He is a forensic psychologist. He's admittedly a good friend of the defense attorney.

He was on the stand for much of the afternoon yesterday and was back on the stand this morning. And, just as I came on the air, they started cross-examination of this witness. He is a very much, you can tell, a key witness for this defense as they shape their case, essentially, as you just told the viewers, trying to prove that Lindsay was in a state of postpartum psychosis when these killings happened.

Now, Zeizel interviewed Lindsay, continues to interview Lindsay actually throughout this entire trial. And his clinical diagnosis, just we heard him tell jurors is that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis. And he really is the one who's kind of telling jurors exactly what that is, and also what are the symptoms that Lindsay had to prove that that's what happened the day that she killed her children?

So I want you to watch an exchange between him and the defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, talking about the these thoughts that Lindsay not only said she had, but continued to report, according to the defense, to doctors, emergency rooms, suicide hotlines. I want you to listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. PAUL ZEIZEL, CLINICAL AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST: Intrusive thoughts are unrelenting. They don't stop. They're what we call ego- dystonic. You don't want them. They keep interfering with your ability to get through the day.

KEVIN REDDINGTON, ATTORNEY FOR LINDSAY CLANCY: Did she have at this point intrusive thoughts continuing regarding voices in her head that she heard constantly?

ZEIZEL: Yes.

REDDINGTON: What were these voices saying to her?

ZEIZEL: They were getting worse and they were telling her to kill herself.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GINGRAS: Now, yesterday, when this witness was on the stand, he actually told jurors about the fact that he was the first person to visit Lindsay in the hospital. He said she was handcuffed to the bed. Remember, she is paralyzed from the waist down.

There were police officers outside the door, and he was the one who actually allowed Lindsay to use his cell phone, put it on speakerphone, call her husband for the first time, and he overheard that conversation where she told him that she was hearing thoughts, a man's voice telling her to not only kill her children, but to also kill herself.

So this is a very, very critical testimony for the defense team at this moment. Like I said, cross-examination is just starting. Of the defense witnesses, Pam, cross-examination has been extremely tense, so we will see how this goes.

BROWN: Yes. And there was since cross-examination yesterday, Brynn. I understand the mother-in-law was also on the stand as a defense witness. Tell us more about that.

GINGRAS: Yes, and it's key to just what you said, Pam.

A defense witness, the mother-in-law, her former mother-in-law, Patrick Clancy's mother, on the stand, as you showed the viewers a little while ago. She talked about how Lindsay was a loving mother, how she was begging for help from so many people, including herself.

She also was a labor and delivery nurse, so she got a lot of text messages from Lindsay. But there was a moment where, honestly, it kind of went viral, because there was a moment in cross-examination from the prosecution asking about her religion and sort of taking it to a point where a lot of people think was a bit out of bounds. Listen to that exchange.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now, are you active member in the Catholic Church?

CLANCY: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK. So you're aware that murder is considered a mortal sin?

JUDGE WILLIAM SULLIVAN, MASSACHUSETTS SUPERIOR COURT: Counsel, could I see you over here?

What that means is you are not to consider it for any reason or any purpose, OK?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GINGRAS: So you can see even the judge there thinking that question was out of bounds, immediately calling a sidebar and telling the jurors that -- to strike that question -- obviously, she didn't answer it either -- from any of their considerations when they go back into the jury room.

So there were moments where, honestly, listening to it is a bit uncomfortable. But, also, this is what the cross-examination is about. The prosecution is still trying to prove its case as well while questioning these defense witnesses. So we will see how it goes today, but a lot of drama in this courtroom, as it's starting to get to the point of wrapping up its cases.

BROWN: Yes, I -- so many of us are watching this, and just have this visceral reaction. It's just so disturbing. There's so many layers to it. And just to think about those three kids, it's just unbearable.

[10:40:02]

Brynn Gingras, thank you so much.

GINGRAS: All right.

BROWN: And we just want to note, if -- as we always do, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, including depression or suicidal thoughts, help is always available. You can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or just go online at 988lifeline.org -- Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST: And happening now: Nolan Wells' family is remembering the late teen on what would have been his 19th birthday.

Wells went missing after a Fourth of July boating trip with friends and was found dead nearby only days later. It's been more than six weeks now since that day, and there are still no clear answers about what exactly happened to wells. Let's go live to CNN's Isabel Rosales on the very latest in the

investigation.

Isabel, what is the family saying to mark his birthday today? And what are we hearing from investigators?

ISABEL ROSALES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Wolf, good morning.

It's been about a month-and-a-half since his death, and investigators are still looking into what happened here. They have not at least publicly indicated that any sort of crime has occurred. But, listen, today should have been a happy day for his family, for his friends, Nolan Wells with a birthday cake blowing out 19 candles.

But, instead, this is a day of grief, sorrow, and uncertainty, but also a day of celebrating his life. And, in fact, his parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, they penned a letter in his honor and shared that letter exclusively with my colleague Ryan Young.

It is a birthday letter made out to Wells, and, in part, it says this: "Today, you are 19 Nono! As we sit here and reflect on what an amazing kiddo you grew up to be, we can't help but to feel blessed, honored, and proud, but most of all thankful.

"Although you are no longer physically here with us, we will always celebrate you and the legacy you have left behind for us to protect. You will be missed every second of everyday and you will never be forgotten, our sweet sonshine."

Later tonight, by the way, also there will be supporters and loved ones holding a national prayer rally in his memory. This is happening in Biloxi, about five miles away from his hometown of Ocean Springs. Dr. Jamal Bryant, a well-known person in the faith community, he will lead that service at Greater St. John AME Church.

Wolf, you asked me, what's the latest with this investigation? And I want to point out at least three outstanding things that are still happening here. The case itself will be sent to a grand jury. The DA, the -- Angel Myers McIlrath, has previously told the media that that is SOP, standard operating procedure, for any death that is not natural.

The state's autopsy report, that is sealed pending a review with the grand jury. And the toxicology tests, also part of SOP, they are completed, but those findings have not been made public.

And I will leave you with this, Wolf, a new statement by the DA obtained by our CNN affiliate WLOX, saying that, as a DA, there's not a lot that she can share. Her hands are tied here to protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation and this grand jury step that will eventually take place.

She says this, in part: "There is nothing more to be shared at this time. I caution the public about assigning trustworthiness to things they read and see online," and also saying that "It would not be right by Nolan Wells for her to step outside of the bounds of the law here and share information that is private and remains key to this case."

So, not a lot there that we can ascertain from that public statement, but she's sharing the reasons why she can't -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Such a heartbreaking story.

Isabel Rosales, thank you very, very much -- Pamela.

BROWN: Just ahead, Wolf: an 11th-hour pause. President Trump is delaying 50 percent tariffs on Canada. So, what that could mean. Could you be paying more for a deal if a deal isn't made? We're going to discuss all of that after this break.

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[10:48:15]

BLITZER: Happening now: President Trump hits the pause button on his threat to impose a new 50 percent tariff on imports coming into the United States from Canada. It was set to take effect today and would have impacted about $20 billion worth of imports, including dairy, alcohol, furniture, and clothing.

To unpack all of this, let's go live to CNN economics reporter Elisabeth Buchwald, who's joining us from New York.

Elisabeth, this is significant. What does this pause mean for any deal between these two countries that supposedly are such strong allies?

ELISABETH BUCHWALD, CNN ECONOMICS REPORTER: Yes, Wolf, it's a classic thing that we have seen over the past year-and-a-half, these really 11th-hour announcements. And, right now, we're getting three extra days of breathing room here. And it's not necessarily going to be good or bad.

We don't know yet, but it seems like there's a lot on the table. Trump was talking about the Keystone XL pipeline. Remains unclear what's happening there, but it does seem like there is some room for things to improve a bit.

And this is all happening in the context of the broader U.S.-Mexico- Canada trade agreement that's up for renegotiation. So it does seem like, if there's going to be a deal, on Canada's part, especially, they're going to want to cement it in for good and not just have these back-and-forths with three days here, a month there.

BLITZER: Some products coming into the United States from Canada, the prices for American consumers are going to go up and up and up.

Elisabeth Buchwald, thank you very, very much.

And coming up, I will speak to the former Quebec Premier Jean Charest. He's also a key member of the prime minister's Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. That's coming up in the next hour.

BROWN: Also coming up here in THE SITUATION ROOM, Wolf, 22-0, definitely sounds like a football score, but it's not.

[10:50:05]

How history for the Milwaukee Brewers turned into one of the most embarrassing nights ever for the Mariners.

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BROWN: A staff member for the San Diego Padres has been taken into custody by ICE.

BLITZER: CNN's Andy Scholes is joining us right now. He's got details.

Andy, what more have you learned?

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Well, Wolf and Pam, Pirela is a coaching coordinator for the Padres organization. He was in El Paso to work for the team's AAA affiliate last week, and his cousin told CNN that Pirela was detained by ICE at the airport on Monday morning while attempting to travel home to Arizona, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

Now, the 34-year-old came to the U.S. from Venezuela in 2014 and he filed for asylum. And, according to his family, Pirela is currently going through the visa process, and he has continuously renewed his work authorization whenever it was approaching expiration.

[10:55:04]

Homeland Security, though, posting on X that: "Pirela was granted permission by the Obama administration to remain in our nation until February 10, 2018. In violation of our nation's laws, he overstayed his welcome by more than eight years. Nobody is above the law, and he will remain in ICE custody pending removal."

Now, the Padres say they are in touch with Pirela's family regarding the situation.

All right, now, the Padres, meanwhile, were in New York last night to play the Mets, and Fernando Tatis Jr., he had himself a night. First inning, he leads off with a 452-foot home run. Then, in the bottom of the second, the Mets have the bases loaded.

Francisco Lindor hits this one deep to right. Tatis then goes up and robs him of a grand slam, just an incredible catch, incredible play. Tatis wasn't done either. In the fifth, he would homer again. This time, it was a two-run shot, Tatis leading the Padres to a 5-2 win over the Mets there.

Now, it was another day, another Pete Crow-Armstrong lead-off home run, this right here his sixth leadoff home run of the season. PCA is actually the first player in baseball history to go lead-off home run, walk-off home run one night, then lead off the next game with a home run as well. This game was delayed by more than an hour by rain in the eighth

inning, but fans stayed busy. Some of them started swinging their shirts above their head. A lot of fans stayed, and they were happy they did, because Alex Bregman was the hero in this one. He comes through with the walk-off single to center in the bottom of the ninth. Cubs beat the White Sox for the second straight night in their last at bat, winning 4-3 there at a fun night in Wrigley Field.

And it was a historic night in Milwaukee. The Brewers destroyed the Mariners 22-0, tying the record for the largest shutout in baseball history. Just nothing went right for Seattle in this one. The Brewers had bases loaded in the eighth with one out.

And Julio Rodriguez would catch this fly ball in center field and then watch what he does. He throws the ball into the stands thinking it was the third out, when it was just the second out. So all three runs come around to score.

But, Wolf and Pam, if you're going to mess up and throw the ball into the stands, thinking it was a third out when there's only two outs, the time to do it is when you're down 19-0, because it doesn't really matter, right?

BROWN: Fair point.

SCHOLES: That would be a tough situation if it was 0-0.

BROWN: Fair point.

SCHOLES: Yes.

BLITZER: Very awkward, indeed. I have never seen that before, but...

BROWN: Tough mistake to make there.

BLITZER: Yes, terrible, terrible.

All right, Andy Scholes, thank you very, very much.

SCHOLES: All right.

BROWN: All right, here's what's coming up, all new at the top of the hour.

So, how much would you sell your land for? A Kentucky farmer is offered $26 million for hers, but turns it down. Why she told the company that made her -- that made her -- the offer to -- quote -- "kick rocks."

Plus, we have more coming up. The baby at the center of a surrogacy dispute is recovering from the first of several surgeries for a severe heart condition. This case has drawn national attention.

We will be right back.

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