Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story is one of unimaginable abuse, manipulation, and ultimately, a desperate act of violence. For years, Gypsy lived under the control of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, a woman who fabricated a life of illness and disability for her daughter. This culminated in the shocking events of June 2015, when Dee Dee was murdered in their home. Now, as Gypsy, 32, prepares for her release from prison on December 28th, the question on many minds remains: Why Did Gypsy Kill Her Mom?
To understand this tragic case, it’s crucial to delve into the horrific abuse Gypsy endured. Dee Dee Blanchard suffered from Munchausen by proxy, a psychological disorder where a caregiver exaggerates or induces illness in someone under their care to gain attention and sympathy. Gypsy was Dee Dee’s victim. From a young age, Gypsy was forced to portray a chronically ill child. Dee Dee falsely claimed Gypsy had leukemia, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, and various other ailments. Gypsy was subjected to unnecessary medical procedures, feeding tubes, and medication. She was confined to a wheelchair, despite being able to walk. Her head was shaved to maintain the illusion of cancer.
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Dee Dee’s deception was elaborate and long-lasting, fooling doctors, friends, and family. Gypsy was isolated, never attending school and kept away from her father and other relatives. Dee Dee controlled every aspect of her life, creating a world where Gypsy’s reality was dictated by her mother’s lies. As Gypsy grew older, she began to question her illnesses and the treatments. However, Dee Dee’s control was absolute. Questioning Dee Dee resulted in manipulation, verbal abuse, and even physical violence. Gypsy described being called names and subjected to hitting and slapping.
The desperation to escape this abusive situation grew unbearable for Gypsy. She recounts feeling trapped and with no way out. In a desperate attempt to regain control of her life and escape the constant abuse and impending unnecessary surgery on her larynx, Gypsy made a fateful decision. She confided in her online boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, about her situation. When she asked him if he would do anything to protect her, he answered “Yes.” This conversation led to the plan to kill Dee Dee.
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On June 14, 2015, Nicholas Godejohn murdered Dee Dee Blanchard while Gypsy hid in the bathroom. This act, born out of years of abuse and desperation, shocked the nation and became a subject of intense media scrutiny, including documentaries like HBO’s “Mommy Dead and Dearest” and Hulu’s “The Act.” Gypsy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Godejohn was convicted of first-degree murder and received a life sentence.
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While in prison, Gypsy has expressed remorse for her actions, stating, “Nobody will ever hear me say I’m glad she’s dead or I’m proud of what I did. I regret it every single day.” She acknowledges the severity of her crime but emphasizes the relentless abuse she endured. Gypsy hopes her story serves as a cautionary tale, urging victims of abuse to seek help through other means than violence. “I want to make sure that people in abusive relationships do not resort to murder,” she stated. “It may seem like every avenue is closed off but there is always another way. Do anything, but don’t take this course of action.”
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Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case is a complex tragedy, highlighting the devastating effects of Munchausen by proxy and the extreme measures a victim may take when feeling utterly trapped. Her story is a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing child abuse, and ensuring victims have access to support and escape routes before desperation leads to irreversible actions. As Gypsy begins her life after prison, her journey of healing and advocacy will be closely watched, and her story will continue to provoke important conversations about abuse, manipulation, and the search for justice.
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