Escaping a Deranged Mother: A Fatal End to a Web of Lies: Gyps Rose Story
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story is one that captivated the nation, exposing the dark depths of deception and tragedy. Born in 1991, Gypsy Rose grew up under the care of her mother, Claudine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, who claimed that her daughter suffered from a multitude of severe illnesses. However, the truth behind Gypsy’s alleged ailments would unravel in a shocking turn of events. This article delves into the disturbing details of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s life, examining the psychological disorder behind her mother’s actions and the tragic consequences that ensued
Dee Dee’s Web of Deception
Dee Dee Blanchard’s manipulation (Munchausen by proxy) began when Gypsy Rose was just a baby. She claimed that her daughter had sleep apnea, setting the stage for a long list of fabricated illnesses. As Gypsy grew older, Dee Dee continued to perpetuate the lie, asserting that Gypsy had leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and a host of other conditions. Gypsy was subjected to unnecessary medications, surgeries, and even the removal of her salivary glands. Her teeth rotted, possibly due to neglect or the side effects of the medications she was forced to take.
Dee Dee’s ability to deceive others was fueled by her charm and apparent devotion as a mother. She would often switch doctors if they questioned her daughter’s conditions and carefully coached Gypsy on what to say during medical appointments. Gypsy’s father, Rod Blanchard, was convinced of their daughter’s illnesses, unaware of the elaborate ruse. When Dee Dee’s family began to question Gypsy’s supposed disabilities, she and her mother relocated to Missouri under the guise of being Hurricane Katrina victims.
Hurricane Katrina became the perfect storm for Dee Dee to further obscure their true history. They later went to a rescue shelter where Dee Dee claimed that all of Gypsy’s medical records, including her birth certificate, were destroyed in the hurricane, paving the way for more of Dee Dee’s lies about Gypsy’s health and age.
Springfield, Missouri
In 2008 Dee Dee and Gypsy were finally able to relocate to Springfield, Missouri. Thanks to the help of Habitat for Humanity, that built them a new home there. The media became interested in Gypsy’s story, leading to an overwhelming amount of support for the mother and daughter. They received various acts of kindness, including free trips to Walt Disney World and exclusive access to Miranda Lambert concerts.
The Breaking Point
As Gypsy Rose entered her teenage years, she began to realize that her mother’s claims were false. She longed for freedom from the confines of her mother’s control.
In 2011, Gypsy attempted to escape with a man she met at a science fiction convention, but Dee Dee soon tracked them down and brought Gypsy back home. The abuse escalated, with Dee Dee resorting to physical violence, food deprivation, and even chaining Gypsy to a bed.
After being able to build back some trust with Dee Dee. Gypsy was freed from her confines of the bed.
In 2012 she met Nicholas Godejohn, of Big Bend, Wisconsin, on a Christian dating website. The two were able to carry out a secret relationship often communicating through text messages that Gypsy hid from her controlling mother, Dee Dee.
Dee Dee Blanchard’s Demise
In 2015, Gypsy and her then boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn, whom she had met on a dating website years earlier, conspired to commit the murder of Gypsy’s mother, Dee Dee, who had subjected Gypsy to both mental and physical abuse throughout her entire life.
On June 9, 2015, Godejohn traveled to Missouri from Wisconsin to meet up with Gypsy. He patiently waited until Gypsy discreetly signaled that Dee Dee was asleep before entering their home. According to Gypsy’s account in the documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” on the night of the murder, she and Dee Dee had spent time together giving each other manicures. Gypsy then put Dee Dee to bed and promised to be “a good girl”. Once Dee Dee had fallen asleep, Godejohn entered the house as Gypsy recounted, while she hid in a bathroom. It was during this time that Godejohn proceeded to fatally stab Dee Dee.
Gypsy and Godejohn planned to run away together after the murder of her mother, Dee Dee. The couple fled the scene to Wisconsin, where Godejohn is from.
Dee Dee Blanchard is found dead
Gypsy sent alarm bells off to Dee Dee’s friends and family on June 14, 2015, by posting on her Facebook, “That Bitch is dead!” This raised immediate concerns among her family and friends, who tried reaching out to Dee Dee but couldn’t get a hold of her. Worried about her safety, they contacted the authorities. Eventually, the police discovered Dee Dee’s lifeless body in her residence.
After the discovery of Dee Dee’s lifeless body, the authorities were able to trace the IP address of the Facebook posts to Big Bend, Wisconsin, where Gypsy and Godejohn had fled to. They raided Godejohn’s family home and arrested him and Gypsy on charges for the murder of Gypsy’s mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.
Charges and Sentencing
In 2016, Gypsy confessed to the murder of her mother alongside her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn. Gypsy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a 10-year prison sentence. She was granted parole after she served 8 years in prison for her role in the crime.
In November 2018, Godejohn stood trial, during which Gypsy testified that she devised the plan to murder her mother as a means of escaping the cycle of abuse.
While there was no dispute regarding Godejohn’s role in Dee Dee’s death, his defense attorneys contended that he was manipulated by Gypsy into committing the act and argued for a reduction in charges to second-degree murder.
After the testimony from Gypsy, a few days, Godejohn was found guilty of first-degree murder in the June 2015 killing of Claudine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. Additionally, he was convicted of armed criminal action.
Consequently, he received a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an extra 25 years for armed criminal action.
Godejohn is currently incarcerated at the Potosi Correctional Center in Washington County, Missouri were he is serving a life sentence.
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