Gypsy Rose Blanchard Released from Prison After Serving Time for Mother’s Murder
Gypsy Rose Blanchard has been released from the Chillicothe Correctional Center prison after serving several years for her role in the death of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, in their home near Springfield in 2015.
Blanchard, now 32, was granted parole and released early Thursday morning, confirmed by the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Authorities revealed that Blanchard had been a prisoner in her own home for years, forced to pretend she was disabled by her mother. Dee Dee Blanchard collected sympathy and donations on behalf of her daughter, who she also passed off as younger, and subjected Gypsy to unnecessary medical care, testing, and procedures.
In 2012, Blanchard met Nicholas Godejohn online, and the two quickly formed a relationship. After years of conversations, Blanchard convinced Godejohn to travel from Wisconsin to Springfield to murder her mother.
The body of Dee Dee Blanchard was found stabbed 17 times in her bed in June 2015. Authorities initially believed that Gypsy Blanchard, who her neighbors thought was physically and mentally disabled, had been abducted.
However, Blanchard and Godejohn were discovered a few days later in Big Bend, Wisconsin, and were extradited to Missouri to face charges of murder and armed criminal action.
During her first court hearing in Wisconsin, the public was shocked to see Blanchard walk in under her own power and speak to the judge, revealing the deception spun by Dee Dee Blanchard.
Ultimately, Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Godejohn was convicted of first-degree murder and received a life sentence.
Blanchard’s story has gained widespread attention, being featured in the HBO Documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” on “Dr. Phil,” and in series on Lifetime and Hulu.