In an unusual and disturbing case, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a Missouri woman, is slated for parole on Thursday after manipulating her online boyfriend to kill her abusive mother. The story gained national attention as it unfolded, revealing a life of deception, abuse, and ultimate liberation.
Gypsy’s mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, met a tragic end in 2015 at the hands of Gypsy’s boyfriend. Dee Dee had coerced her daughter into a web of lies, making her pretend to suffer from various severe illnesses, including leukemia and muscular dystrophy. Gypsy, now 32, was, in fact, perfectly healthy, but her mother had Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a disorder where caregivers fabricate or exaggerate their child’s illnesses for sympathy.
The manipulative scheme allowed the Blanchards to garner attention, meet celebrities like Miranda Lambert, receive charitable donations, and even secure a home from Habitat for Humanity. Gypsy’s mother skillfully deceived doctors, claiming that her daughter’s medical records were lost in Hurricane Katrina. Gypsy underwent unnecessary medical procedures, including the removal of her salivary glands, all orchestrated by her mother.
As Gypsy’s understanding of her situation evolved, the abuse turned physical. Chained to a bed and subjected to beatings, Gypsy began to realize the extent of her mother’s lies. At the trial of her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, who is serving a life sentence for the killing, Gypsy testified, “I wanted to be free of her hold on me…I talked him into it.”
Facing a life term for first-degree murder, Gypsy entered a plea deal, admitting to second-degree murder and receiving a 10-year prison sentence. Godejohn’s defense argued manipulation due to his autism, while prosecutors claimed his motives were rooted in a desire for a relationship with Gypsy.
The strange revelations surrounding the case included Gypsy’s age being falsely presented by her mother, who aimed to perpetuate the fraud. Gypsy, initially listed as various ages, was, in reality, 23 years old but appeared much younger due to her small stature.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Gypsy’s physical health improved during her time in prison. She later married Ryan Scott Anderson while behind bars.
The sensational case has been the focus of documentaries, TV series, and even a Lifetime docuseries, revealing the extraordinary and unusual nature of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story. As she approaches parole, the media coverage is restricted to protect safety, security, and privacy.
