Gypsy Rose Blanchard Released From Prison After Serving 7 Years For Mother's Murder

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Released From Prison

This morning at the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri, Gypsy Rose Blanchard walked out of prison a free woman. After serving nearly 10 years behind bars, Gypsy's highly publicized case has come to a close with her release on parole.

Gypsy's story captivated the nation back in 2015 when it was discovered she and her mother Dee Dee Blanchard were not what they initially seemed. What started as a tale of a young wheelchair-bound girl suffering from childhood leukemia, asthma, muscular dystrophy and several other ailments turned out to be a complex web of lies and abuse orchestrated by her mother.

Dee Dee's Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Doctors now believe Dee Dee Blanchard suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological disorder in which someone falsely claims that a family member or loved one has physical or mental illness. In Dee Dee's case, she fabricated medical conditions for Gypsy from a very young age to get sympathy and attention.

Dee Dee had Gypsy convinced she was seriously ill. She controlled every aspect of Gypsy's life from her medication and diet to her mobility. Gypsy was made to use a wheelchair and feeding tube despite having no health problems that required their use.

Planning to Escape

As Gypsy grew older, she became increasingly suspicious of her mother's claims about her health. She realized she could walk and eat solid food without issue, proving she was not as sick as her mother led everyone to believe.

Gypsy hatched a plan to escape from her mother's clutches. She began going online where she met Nicholas Godejohn. The two bonded over their shared feelings of isolation and soon began a romantic relationship.

Gypsy confided her desires to be free of Dee Dee's control and live her own life. They made a plan to kill Dee Dee so Gypsy could finally have her freedom.

The Murder of Dee Dee Blanchard

On June 14, 2015, Gypsy invited Nicholas to her home in Springfield, Missouri while Dee Dee was asleep. In the early hours of the morning, he stabbed Dee Dee to death in her bed on Gypsy's orders.

Gypsy and Nicholas fled to his home in Wisconsin. Concerned friends who could not reach Dee Dee contacted police to check on the Blanchard home. That is when Dee Dee's body was discovered.

Police instantly suspected foul play and launched a full investigation. It did not take long for Gypsy and Nicholas to be apprehended for orchestrating Dee Dee's brutal murder.

The Trial of Gypsy Rose

In July 2016, Gypsy accepted a plea deal and confessed to her role in her mother's murder. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of second-degree murder.

Due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her upbringing, many believed Gypsy deserved more leniency. Prosecutors have called Gypsy the victim of Dee Dee's abuse, as well as murder conspirator.

During the trial, evidence proved Gypsy faced excessive child abuse at the hands of her mother. Doctors analyzed Gypsy's medical records and found no history of illness or disease. Her mother had been intentionally poisoning her with medication all those years.

With this proof of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, the court showed sympathy towards Gypsy. Her sentence was far less than the possible life in prison she could have faced.

Release From Prison

This morning, after serving 7 years of her 10 year sentence, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released on parole. She will be under supervision for the remaining 3 years of her sentence.

Friends and supporters were there to greet her as she left the correctional facility. A crew from HBO is filming a documentary following her release.

Gypsy has not disclosed where she plans to live at this time. There is speculation she will settle somewhere in Missouri near her family members.

The Next Chapter

Many are wondering what comes next for Gypsy Rose now that she finally has her freedom. After spending over a decade trapped by her mother's lies, this will be her first chance to live life on her own terms.

Some experts believe finding normalcy may be difficult for Gypsy after enduring years of psychological manipulation. She will likely need therapy and support during her transition back into the real world.

Gypsy's story has been the subject of several true crime shows and documentaries already. The media spotlight will likely follow her now, making privacy a challenge.

Only time will tell if she chooses to keep a low profile or share her experiences publicly. She may find sharing her story therapeutic or too traumatic.

The next chapter of Gypsy Rose's extraordinary life remains uncertain. Wherever her path leads, many hope she finally discovers happiness and a sense of belonging she missed for so many years.

Life After Prison

As Gypsy Rose Blanchard begins the next phase of her life outside of prison, the road ahead will no doubt be filled with challenges as well as new opportunities.

Her story made national news, with her face splashed across television screens and websites for years. She was painted both as a victim under her mother's abusive control and a cold-blooded killer.

While the circumstances of Dee Dee Blanchard's murder remain chilling, it is important to remember Gypsy was failed by the systems designed to protect vulnerable children.

Mental Health Concerns

A lifetime of manipulation left lasting scars on Gypsy Rose's mental health. Doctors say children raised by parents with Munchausen syndrome by proxy often struggle with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.

Gypsy has described feeling isolated and overwhelmed trying to assimilate into the real world after experiencing such an abnormal upbringing.

Continuing mental health support will be crucial to help her adapt and build a stable, independent life. Some worry she is unprepared after so many years under her mother's control.

Media Attention

As one of the most infamous cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, Gypsy Rose became the subject of true crime specials, documentaries, books and social media attention.

The public remains fascinated by her story years later. While national interest in the case has benefited efforts to understand Munchausen by proxy, it may also make privacy harder for Gypsy.

Trying to evade paparazzi and reporters anxious for her story will be challenging as she moves forward.

Career and Education

Since Dee Dee Blanchard never allowed her to attend school, Gypsy Rose has no formal education. Many advocates are calling for her to be enrolled in education programs to help her eventually achieve a GED.

Gypsy will also need to find opportunities for work experience and career training. With so many gaps in her education and life skills, the road ahead will require patience.

Thankfully several nonprofits have already reached out offering help. With the right support, Gypsy has a chance at a productive career.

Relationship With Nicholas Godejohn

Nicholas Godejohn was convicted for carrying out the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard and sentenced to life in prison. He and Gypsy remain in contact while incarcerated.

Some believe Gypsy should break ties with Nicholas to move forward. But after relying on him to gain her freedom, their bond remains strong.

If their connection withstands the distance, Gypsy may feel conflicted about maintaining a relationship with the man who murdered her mother.

Reconciling Her Past

While Gypsy yearned for escape, reconciling with her mother's death may be complicated. Despite the harm she caused, Dee Dee was the only parent Gypsy ever knew.

As painful as that relationship was, letting go of what could have been may bring a sense of grief and loss.

Counseling will be critical to help Gypsy come to terms with her trauma in a healthy way. Only then can she find true peace.

Hopes for Gypsy's Future

After finally gaining her long-awaited freedom, the possibilities are open for Gypsy Rose's future. There will certainly be challenges, but many are hopeful Gypsy's story will have a happy ending.

Here are some of the best hopes and dreams supporters have shared:

Inner Peace

Above all else, people hope Gypsy can find inner healing after her mother's psychological abuse.

With therapy and support focused on her needs, she can overcome her trauma. Peace and closure will help pave the way toward true happiness.

Joy and Independence

After being controlled her entire life, she deserves the chance to discover her own interests. The simple joys of trying new foods, going to a salon and shopping for her own clothes were denied to her for so long.

May Gypsy embrace independence and find delight in finally making her own choices.

Love

Romantic love with a healthy partner would be a welcome new experience after the dysfunction of her relationship with Nick Godejohn.

With time Gypsy will hopefully find someone who cherishes her for who she is.

Career Success

Now that continuing her education is possible, many hope Gypsy becomes the first in her family to earn a high school diploma or even college degree.

A fulfilling career matching her talents would provide stability and a sense of pride.

Advocating for Change

Gypsy's story exposed the failures in protecting vulnerable children from abuse. She could help prevent other cases by becoming an advocate.

Her experiences could educate social workers and doctors to intervene when they suspect Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

While nothing can erase the pain Gypsy Rose endured, there is still joy, purpose and brightness ahead if she chooses to seek it. Her second chance at life is just beginning.

Despite unfathomable hardship, Gypsy proved she is a survivor. Let us hope her next chapter is defined not by her past wounds but by the strength it took to overcome them.

FAQs

What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy?

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a disorder in which someone, often a parent or caregiver, exaggerates or causes illness in someone under their care to gain attention and sympathy.

Why did Dee Dee Blanchard fabricate Gypsy's illnesses?

Experts say Dee Dee's fabrications enabled her to gain attention and sympathy from friends, charities, and doctors. Controlling Gypsy's supposed conditions also gave her control over Gypsy's life.

How did Gypsy manage to keep up the pretense of being ill?

Dee Dee had conditioned Gypsy from a very young age to pretend to be ill and act far younger than her real age. Gypsy feared defying her mother and didn't fully realize the extent of the deception.

Did anyone suspect Dee Dee's lies?

Some extended family members were suspicious and confronted Dee Dee about her claims over the years. Several doctors also doubted the need for Gypsy's feeding tube and medications.

Where is Nicholas Godejohn, Gypsy's boyfriend, now?

Nicholas Godejohn was convicted for the first-degree murder of Dee Dee Blanchard. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.