Gypsy Rose Blanchard is a name that has become synonymous with one of the most sensationalized and controversial cases of matricide in recent history. Born in 1991 in Louisiana, Gypsy Rose was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare form of child abuse where a caregiver exaggerates or fabricates illnesses in a child for attention. Her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, convinced Gypsy Rose and others that she had a range of severe medical conditions, including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and epilepsy, among others. Gypsy Rose was subjected to unnecessary surgeries, medications, and feeding tubes, and was made to use a wheelchair even though she could walk.
In 2015, Gypsy Rose and her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn murdered Dee Dee in her home in Springfield, Missouri. The case drew widespread attention due to the bizarre circumstances surrounding the murder and the revelations of Dee Dee’s abuse of Gypsy Rose. The case was covered extensively in the media, including in documentaries, podcasts, and TV shows. Gypsy Rose pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Godejohn was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Gypsy Rose was granted parole in September 2023 and released from prison on December 28, 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Gypsy Rose Blanchard was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare form of child abuse where a caregiver exaggerates or fabricates illnesses in a child for attention.
- Gypsy Rose and her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn murdered Dee Dee in 2015, drawing widespread attention due to the bizarre circumstances surrounding the murder and the revelations of Dee Dee’s abuse of Gypsy Rose.
- Gypsy Rose was granted parole in September 2023 and released from prison on December 28, 2023.
Early Life
Family Background
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was born on July 1, 1991, in Louisiana, United States. Her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, was a single mother who raised Gypsy alone. Dee Dee had a troubled childhood and had a history of petty theft and check forgery. She moved to Missouri with Gypsy when the latter was a baby.
Dee Dee portrayed herself as a doting mother who cared for her daughter’s every need. She claimed that Gypsy had several health issues, including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and a host of other ailments. Dee Dee also claimed that Gypsy had the mental capacity of a seven-year-old and was confined to a wheelchair. As a result, she received a lot of attention and sympathy from the community.
Health Issues
Gypsy’s health issues were a significant part of her life. Dee Dee claimed that Gypsy was born prematurely and had a host of medical issues. As a result, she was confined to a wheelchair, had a feeding tube, and was given a cocktail of medications. Dee Dee also shaved Gypsy’s head and claimed that she had cancer.
However, these claims were not true. Gypsy was not sick, and she did not need a wheelchair or a feeding tube. She was a healthy child who was forced to undergo unnecessary medical procedures and consume medications that she did not need.
Gypsy’s life was a complicated web of lies and deceit, and it was not until later that the truth came out. The next section will discuss Gypsy’s life as she grew older and the events that led to her incarceration.
The Crime
Planning
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was born in 1991 and raised by her mother Dee Dee Blanchard. Dee Dee was known for her devotion to her daughter, who she claimed was suffering from a litany of illnesses including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and epilepsy. It was later discovered that these illnesses were all fabricated by Dee Dee, and Gypsy was a healthy young woman. Dee Dee forced Gypsy to use a wheelchair, have a feeding tube, and take medications she did not need.
Gypsy, who was allegedly unaware of the extent of her mother’s deception, began to plan her mother’s murder with her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn in 2015. The couple communicated through online chat rooms and eventually decided to kill Dee Dee in her sleep.
Execution
On June 14, 2015, Gypsy let Godejohn into the family’s home where he proceeded to stab Dee Dee to death in her bed. The couple then fled to Godejohn’s home in Wisconsin where they were eventually caught by the police.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Gypsy had been involved in planning the murder and had even purchased gloves for Godejohn to wear during the crime. Gypsy was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Aftermath
Gypsy eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was released on parole in 2021 after serving 8 years of her sentence [1].
The case gained national attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding Dee Dee’s treatment of Gypsy. The story was the subject of a 2017 HBO documentary titled “Mommy Dead and Dearest” and a 2019 Hulu series titled “The Act”.
Investigation
Initial Suspicion
The investigation into the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard began when her body was found in her home in June 2015. The police were initially suspicious of the circumstances surrounding her death, as there were no signs of forced entry and Gypsy Rose Blanchard, Dee Dee’s daughter who suffered from various illnesses, was missing.
Evidence Gathering
The investigation quickly turned towards Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, as they were found to have purchased the murder weapon and fled the scene. The police also discovered that Dee Dee had been keeping her daughter’s medical records and identity documents, which raised further suspicion.
The police gathered evidence from various sources, including surveillance footage, phone records, and interviews with family members and acquaintances. They also uncovered evidence of Dee Dee’s long history of abuse towards her daughter, including forcing her to use a wheelchair and undergo unnecessary medical procedures.
Arrest
In February 2016, Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Nicholas Godejohn were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Gypsy Rose eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Godejohn was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The investigation into the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard was a complex and extensive process, involving the collection of evidence from various sources and the piecing together of a complicated web of abuse and deception. Through the hard work of law enforcement officials, justice was eventually served for Dee Dee and her daughter.
Legal Proceedings
Trial
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, in 2015. The trial took place in 2018 in Greene County, Missouri. During the trial, it was revealed that Dee Dee had been lying about Gypsy’s medical conditions for years, forcing her to pretend to be ill and using her daughter’s supposed illnesses to gain sympathy and financial support from others. The prosecution argued that Gypsy had been abused by her mother and that she had conspired with her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to kill Dee Dee.
Plea Bargain
In July 2015, Gypsy and Nicholas were arrested in Wisconsin, where they had fled after the murder. Gypsy initially denied any involvement in her mother’s death but later confessed to helping plan the murder. In 2016, she accepted a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. In exchange for her plea, the prosecution dropped the charge of first-degree murder, which could have resulted in a life sentence without parole. Gypsy was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 85% of her sentence.
Sentencing
Gypsy was released from prison on early parole in December 2023, several years before her 10-year sentence was set to end. According to multiple reports, her parole was granted after a review board determined that she had shown good behavior and had completed several educational programs while in prison. She will be required to remain on parole for the remainder of her sentence and will be subject to certain restrictions and conditions.
Media Coverage
News Reports
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case has received extensive media coverage. The story was first reported by local news outlets in Missouri, where the murder took place. National news outlets, such as NBC News [1] and ABC News [2], also covered the case, as well as international news outlets like The Guardian [3] and BBC News [4].
The news reports focused on the unusual circumstances of the case, including Gypsy’s claims that she had been a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare form of child abuse in which a caregiver exaggerates or fabricates medical symptoms in a child to gain attention. The reports also highlighted the abusive relationship between Gypsy and her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, and the fact that Gypsy had been forced to pretend she was sick and disabled for most of her life.
Documentaries
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case has been the subject of several documentaries. HBO released a documentary in 2017 called “Mommy Dead and Dearest” [5] which explored the relationship between Gypsy and her mother, as well as the murder and its aftermath. The documentary featured interviews with Gypsy, her father, and other family members, as well as experts on Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Another documentary, “The Act” [6], was released in 2019 on Hulu. The series was a dramatization of Gypsy’s life and the events leading up to the murder, starring Patricia Arquette as Dee Dee Blanchard and Joey King as Gypsy. The series received critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling.
Dramatizations
In addition to “The Act,” Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story has been dramatized in other forms of media. Lifetime released a movie in 2019 called “Love You to Death” [7] which was based on the murder and starred Marcia Gay Harden as Dee Dee Blanchard. The movie received mixed reviews.
Overall, Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case has been widely covered in the media and has inspired several documentaries and dramatizations. The case has raised awareness about Munchausen syndrome by proxy and the issue of child abuse.
Public Reaction
Sympathy for Gypsy
The case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard has garnered significant public attention and has sparked sympathy for the young woman. Many people believe that Gypsy was a victim of her mother’s abuse and manipulation and that she should not have been punished for her role in her mother’s death.
Gypsy’s story has also brought attention to the issue of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare form of child abuse in which a caretaker exaggerates or fabricates symptoms of illness in a child to gain attention or sympathy. Many people have expressed sympathy for Gypsy, who was forced to live with her mother’s fabricated illnesses and subjected to unnecessary medical treatments.
Criticism of the System
While there is sympathy for Gypsy, there is also criticism of the legal system and the way the case was handled. Some people believe that Gypsy’s sentence was too harsh, given the circumstances of her case. Others have criticized the healthcare system for failing to detect Dee Dee Blanchard’s abuse and for allowing her to continue to subject Gypsy to unnecessary medical treatments.
In addition, some people have criticized the media for sensationalizing the case and for portraying Gypsy as a villain rather than a victim. They argue that the media’s coverage of the case has contributed to the public’s misunderstanding of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and has perpetuated harmful stereotypes about mental illness.
Overall, the public reaction to Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case has been mixed, with sympathy for Gypsy and criticism of the legal system and the media.
After Incarceration
Gypsy’s Life in Prison
Gypsy Rose Blanchard spent 10 years in prison for the murder of her mother, Clauddinnea “Dee Dee” Blanchard, who allegedly abused her daughter and kept her sick for years. During her time in prison, Gypsy reportedly received a lot of support from her family and friends. According to reports, her father and stepmother visited her regularly and her father even moved to Missouri to be closer to her.
In addition to her family, Gypsy also received support from outsiders. She reportedly received letters of support from people all over the world, including celebrities like actress Patricia Arquette.
Gypsy was also reportedly able to continue her education while in prison. She earned her GED and reportedly took college courses as well.
Parole Possibilities
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released from prison on parole on December 28, 2023, after serving 10 years of her 10-year sentence. According to reports, she will be on parole for five years.
During her parole, Gypsy will have to follow certain rules and restrictions. For example, she will have to check in with her parole officer regularly, she will not be allowed to leave the state of Missouri without permission, and she will not be allowed to have contact with her ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, who was also convicted in the murder of her mother.
If Gypsy successfully completes her parole, she will be able to start a new life. She will be able to move on from her past and hopefully, live a happy and fulfilling life.
Impact on Society
Munchausen by Proxy Awareness
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case brought attention to Munchausen by Proxy (MBP), a rare form of child abuse where a caregiver exaggerates or induces illness in a child to gain attention or sympathy. MBP was not well-known before Blanchard’s case, but her story helped to raise awareness about this form of abuse.
As a result, more people are now aware of the signs of MBP, and doctors are better equipped to identify and report cases of suspected MBP. This increased awareness has also led to more research into the causes and treatments of MBP.
Legal Reforms
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case has also led to legal reforms in several states. In Missouri, where Blanchard’s case took place, lawmakers passed a bill that allows inmates who were sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed as minors to be eligible for parole after serving 25 years. This law was passed in part due to Blanchard’s case, as she was sentenced to life without parole for her role in her mother’s murder at the age of 23.
In addition, Blanchard’s case has led to a broader discussion about the criminal justice system’s treatment of abuse victims who are forced to commit crimes. Some advocates argue that these victims should not be punished as harshly as their abusers, and that the justice system should take into account the trauma and abuse these victims have experienced. This discussion has led to some changes in how the justice system approaches cases like Blanchard’s.
Overall, Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case has had a significant impact on society, raising awareness about MBP and leading to legal reforms and a broader discussion about how the justice system should treat abuse victims who are forced to commit crimes.
Comparative Cases
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case is not the only one where a child has killed their abusive parent. There have been several other cases that have received media attention over the years.
One such case is that of Lisa Marie Montgomery, who was sentenced to death in 2008 for killing a pregnant woman and cutting the baby out of her womb. Montgomery’s defense argued that she had suffered from severe mental illness due to the abuse she had experienced as a child.
Another case is that of Mary Bell, who was convicted of killing two young boys when she was just 11 years old. Bell had a troubled upbringing, with a mother who was a prostitute and a history of sexual abuse. However, unlike Blanchard, Bell showed little remorse for her actions and was described as a psychopath by psychiatrists.
In the case of Blanchard, her defense argued that she had been the victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare form of child abuse where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child. This abuse can lead to serious physical and psychological harm, and in some cases, death.
While these cases are all different, they share a common theme of children who have suffered abuse and trauma at the hands of their parents. It is important to recognize the impact that abuse can have on a child’s mental health and well-being, and to provide support and resources to those who have experienced it.
Cultural Impact
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case has garnered significant attention in the media and popular culture. The story has been covered extensively in various documentaries, podcasts, and TV shows. The case has also inspired several books and articles, including Michelle Dean’s “Dee Dee Wanted Her Daughter to Be Sick, Gypsy Wanted Her Mom to Be Murdered” which was published in BuzzFeed in 2016.
The popularity of the case has led to discussions about Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare form of child abuse in which a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child for attention or sympathy. Blanchard’s case has also highlighted the need for better awareness and understanding of the disorder among medical professionals and the general public.
Blanchard’s story has also sparked conversations about the criminal justice system and the ethical implications of her actions. Some have argued that Blanchard was a victim of abuse and that her sentence was too harsh, while others have criticized her for her role in the murder of her mother.
Despite the controversy surrounding the case, one thing is clear: Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story has left a lasting impact on popular culture and society as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the true story behind the Gypsy Rose Blanchard case?
The Gypsy Rose Blanchard case is a true story of a young woman who was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story gained national attention after it was discovered that her mother had been keeping her in a state of perpetual illness and disability for years. Gypsy Rose Blanchard, along with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, planned and executed her mother’s murder in 2015.
Which documentary covers the events of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s life?
The documentary titled “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” directed by Erin Lee Carr, covers the events of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s life leading up to the murder of her mother. The documentary features interviews with Gypsy Rose Blanchard, her family members, and law enforcement officials involved in the case.
What was the nature of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s medical condition?
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s medical condition was fabricated by her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Dee Dee Blanchard convinced her daughter and medical professionals that Gypsy Rose Blanchard suffered from a variety of illnesses, including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and epilepsy. In reality, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was not sick and was able to walk and function normally.
Has Gypsy Rose Blanchard been portrayed in any television shows or movies?
Yes, Gypsy Rose Blanchard has been portrayed in several television shows and movies. The Hulu series “The Act” is a dramatization of the events leading up to the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard and stars Joey King as Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Additionally, the Lifetime movie “Love You to Death” also covers the events of the case and stars Marcia Gay Harden as Dee Dee Blanchard.
What is the current marital status of Gypsy Rose Blanchard?
As of December 2023, Gypsy Rose Blanchard is not married. She was engaged to her former fiancé, Ken, but the engagement was called off in 2020.
How old was Gypsy Rose Blanchard when the crime involving her mother occurred?
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was 23 years old when she and her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, murdered her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.