The question Did Gypsy Rose do it? refers to one of the most disturbing and complex true crime cases in recent memory. At the heart of the story is Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a young woman who was subjected to years of abuse by her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. On June 14, 2015, Dee Dee was found murdered in her home, and soon after, suspicion turned toward Gypsy Rose and her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn. What followed was a shocking unraveling of lies, manipulation, and mental illness. Understanding Gypsy Rose’s role in the murder requires looking beyond a simple yes or no answer. This case demands examination of the psychological trauma and medical abuse Gypsy endured for most of her life.
The Background of Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee Blanchard
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was believed by many to be a severely ill child suffering from a range of chronic conditions: leukemia, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, asthma, and cognitive impairments. Her mother, Clauddine Dee Dee Blanchard, portrayed herself as a devoted caregiver. Together, they received support from charities, free trips from foundations like Make-A-Wish, and even a donated home from Habitat for Humanity. However, these illnesses were fabricated or exaggerated by Dee Dee in what many experts believe was a case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a mental disorder where a caregiver deliberately fakes or induces illness in someone under their care to gain sympathy or attention.
Signs of Medical Abuse
- Gypsy was forced to use a wheelchair despite being able to walk.
- She underwent multiple surgeries she did not need.
- She was given medications that caused unnecessary side effects.
- Doctors’ concerns were ignored or brushed aside by Dee Dee.
These signs now serve as major evidence of long-term abuse. Gypsy was not only physically harmed but also psychologically manipulated, isolated, and deprived of her autonomy for years.
Gypsy’s Escape and Relationship with Nicholas Godejohn
As Gypsy grew older, she began to realize that she was not as sick as her mother claimed. She secretly accessed the internet and created social media accounts, eventually meeting Nicholas Godejohn through an online Christian dating site. Their relationship quickly turned intense. Both felt a deep emotional connection, particularly as Nicholas was also socially isolated and lived with mental illness, including autism spectrum disorder.
The pair began to develop a plan. Gypsy, desperate to escape her abusive life, believed that murder was the only way out. On June 14, 2015, Nicholas traveled to Missouri, entered the Blanchard home while Dee Dee was asleep, and stabbed her to death while Gypsy waited in another room. They then fled to Wisconsin, where Nicholas lived, but were soon tracked down by authorities after suspicious Facebook posts and concerned neighbors raised alarms.
Legal Responsibility: Did Gypsy Rose Commit Murder?
This brings us to the central question: did Gypsy Rose do it? Legally, Gypsy did not wield the weapon that killed her mother. The actual act was carried out by Nicholas Godejohn. However, she played a significant role in planning the murder and facilitating its execution.
Key Facts of Her Involvement
- Gypsy purchased the murder weapon: a knife used by Nicholas.
- She provided gloves, a change of clothes, and bus tickets.
- She encouraged Nicholas in online conversations to carry out the act.
- She cleaned the scene and left with him afterward.
Though Gypsy did not physically kill her mother, she was charged with second-degree murder and pleaded guilty. In 2016, she was sentenced to ten years in prison. Prosecutors acknowledged the extreme abuse she had endured, which factored into her lesser sentence.
The Role of Abuse and Mental Health
The case of Gypsy Rose forces a deeper discussion about how prolonged abuse affects a person’s mental state. For nearly two decades, she was told she was sick, disabled, and incapable of independence. Her identity and reality were shaped entirely by her mother’s lies. Many experts argue that Gypsy lacked the tools or knowledge to escape through traditional means. Her cognitive development was stunted, and her trust in authority figures was deeply eroded due to years of medical and emotional manipulation.
Furthermore, Dee Dee’s control extended to isolation. Gypsy was homeschooled, denied friendships, and kept from relatives. She had few outlets for help. As a result, her decision to turn to Godejohn and plot the murder was not made in a rational state of mind. It was, in many ways, an act of survival rather than malice.
Public Reaction and Cultural Impact
The story of Gypsy Rose captivated public attention due to its tragic layers. Documentaries such as Mommy Dead and Dearest and dramatizations like The Act brought the case to mainstream awareness. While public opinion varies, many people sympathize with Gypsy, viewing her as a victim first and foremost. Others argue that her involvement in planning the murder cannot be overlooked.
Mixed Public Sentiment
- Some view her as a survivor who took the only way out of abuse.
- Others believe she could have sought help through nonviolent means.
- Many advocate for better mental health and social services to prevent similar tragedies.
The fascination with Gypsy Rose reflects a larger curiosity and concern about how abuse shapes behavior. It also raises ethical questions about responsibility, agency, and justice in complex cases involving long-term psychological harm.
Release and New Chapter
In late 2023, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was granted parole and released from prison after serving approximately 85% of her sentence. Her release reignited interest in the case and sparked debates once again. Now in her early 30s, Gypsy has expressed remorse, self-awareness, and a desire to advocate for victims of abuse.
She has also spoken about how prison, while a punishment, gave her a chance to grow and heal. For the first time in her life, she had freedom from her mother’s control and began to form her own identity. Many are watching closely to see how she uses her voice moving forward.
So, did Gypsy Rose do it? The answer is complicated. While she did not physically kill Dee Dee Blanchard, she helped plan the murder and took steps to carry it out. Yet, this fact cannot be separated from the years of abuse, manipulation, and trauma she endured. In the eyes of the law, she bore some responsibility. In the eyes of many, she was a victim acting in desperation. This tragic case continues to challenge our understanding of guilt, justice, and the hidden scars of long-term abuse.