Gypsy Rose Blanchard was born on July 27, 1991 in Louisiana to parents Clauddine Blanchard, also known as Dee Dee, and Rod Blanchard. From the early age of three months old, Dee Dee was convinced her daughter had many health issues. Her mother brought her to the hospital multiple times, convinced that Gypsy suffered from sleep apnea. It got worse as Gypsy got older.
Her mother claimed that Gypsy suffered from muscular dystrophy which forced her to use a walker. When she was seven or eight years old, she was involved in a minor motorcycle accident, at which time her mother demanded Gypsy use a wheelchair. Dee Dee also told doctors that Gypsy was having regular seizures, for which they prescribed anti-seizure medication and performed countless surgeries. She would shave Gypsy’s head to make her look like a cancer patient.
Her mother induced drooling by using a topical anesthetic. She claimed that her daughter had the mental capacity of a child due to premature birth. It is believed that her mother had Munchausen syndrome by proxy, (MSP), which means that Dee Dee created fake symptoms or caused real symptoms in her daughter to make it look like Gypsy was sick.
Dee Dee removed Gypsy from school to isolate her as well as constantly lied about her age and birthday. Dee Dee used to squeeze Gypsys hand really tightly when someone questioned them and would hit her in private. Dee Dee not only abused Gypsy, but her stepmother as well. Dee Dee’s father and stepmother believed she was poisoning her food.
On June 14, 2015, Green County Deputies found the body of Clauddine Blanchard face down in her bedroom. Her cause of death was determined to be multiple stab wounds that were inflicted days prior. After reading Facebook posts, concerned neighbors believed that Gpsy was abducted.
She was found in Wisconsin the very next day with her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn. Gypsy and Nicholas met on an online dating site and texted for two years before finally meeting in person. Gypsy recounts her mother’s jealousy and how she was ordered to stay away from him. When Godejohn found out about Gypsy’s abuse, he began planning to kill Dee Dee.
Allegedly, Gypsy let Godejohn in at night and handed him supplies he would need. She hid in the bathroom and covered her ears to avoid hearing anything. Godejohn then stabbed Dee Dee in the back 17 times.
Neighbors first became concerned about Dee Dee when suspicious Facebook statuses were posted from her account. They decided to call the police when her phone went unanswered and her car remained in the driveway for days. Police could not enter the premises without a warrant, but they allowed a neighbor to go through the window, at which time the neighbor found Dee Dee’s body and Gypsy’s wheelchairs. People were extremely worried because Gypsy could not live without her medications or wheelchair.
One of Blanchard’s neighbors knew about Gypsy and her secret relationship. Police then had Facebook track the IP address from Dee Dee’s post which brought them straight to Gypsy and Nicholas. The couple surrendered and were taken into custody on the charges of murder and felony armed criminal action. Back in her hometown, people were relieved by Gypsy’s safety and actually wanted to bail her out.
First-degree murder, or pre-planned murder, is usually followed by the death penalty or life without parole in Missouri. This case, however, was unusual in the sense that the murderer was also a victim herself. Gypsy’s attorney was able to get a plea bargain to second-degree murder. Godejohn faced more time and charges because he initiated and commited the murder.
Godejohn’s attorney said that he was listening to orders that the woman he loved had given him. However, Gypsy Rose told jurors that there were two plans to end her abuse: get pregnant with Godejohn’s child or kill Dee Dee. She said that he never had an opinion on the pregnancy plan and so she went along with the murder. Godejohn was convicted of first degree murder and felony armed criminal action. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard served her time at Missouri’s Chillicothe Correctional Center. She refused to talk to the media until she took her plea deal, at which time she was sentenced to ten years, but was granted parole after serving only eight years. She was released on December 28, 2023.
Since her release, Gypsy has been very vocal about her experiences. She even wrote a book called “Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom.” She also has a very heavy social media presence. Her Instagram and Tiktok accounts are now verified. Her comments are filled with millions of people showing support. Gypsy may be speaking out but she is also starting a new life. On June 27, 2022, she married Ryan Scott Anderson. They had been pen pals who had fallen in love while she was incarcerated. Anderson proposed while she was behind bars. She is now spending time with her friends and family. She has been photographed going out and shopping as well.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case teaches readers that we need to do better in protecting abuse victims and getting them the help they need so that they don’t need to resort to murder. As a society, we have all learned to look out for signs that someone is being abused.
This case has also called for more investigations into Munchausen by Proxy and/or other psychological conditions that lead to abuse. This case and its outcome have shed light onto the justice system, abuse cases, psychological disorders, and more.
If you, a friend, or a family member are experiencing physical or psychological abuse, there is help available. The National Domestic Violence Helpline can be reached at 800-799-7233. There is always someone willing to listen.
