Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story has captivated public interest, largely due to the shocking circumstances surrounding her mother’s death and the subsequent revelations of abuse. A key question many people have is about the duration of her imprisonment. Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released from prison after serving seven years of her original sentence. This article delves into the details of her case, her sentence, and her release, providing a comprehensive understanding of this complex situation.
The Crime and the Sentence
In 2016, Gypsy Rose Blanchard faced sentencing for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. The events leading up to Dee Dee’s death were far from straightforward. Initially, the case appeared to be a disturbing instance of violence, triggered by a cryptic Facebook post on June 14, 2015, stating, “That [expletive] is dead!” This post, discovered on Dee Dee and Gypsy’s shared Facebook page, alerted friends and authorities, ultimately leading to the discovery of Dee Dee’s body at their home in Missouri. Gypsy Rose was missing from the scene.
Alt text: Arrest photos of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Nicholas Godejohn side-by-side, highlighting their involvement in the 2015 murder case.
The investigation quickly uncovered a much deeper and disturbing narrative. Gypsy Rose was not missing in the typical sense; she had fled to Wisconsin with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn. Both were arrested and charged in connection with Dee Dee’s murder. Gypsy Rose later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
This plea came with a sentence of 10 years in prison. However, the court also considered the extraordinary circumstances of the case. Gypsy Rose’s defense argued that she had been a victim of severe and prolonged abuse at the hands of her mother, who suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Understanding Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and Dee Dee’s Abuse
Munchausen syndrome by proxy, now clinically termed “factitious disorder imposed on another,” is a mental disorder where a caregiver, often a parent, fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care. In Gypsy Rose’s case, Dee Dee Blanchard had convinced not only medical professionals but also the wider community that Gypsy suffered from a range of serious illnesses, including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and developmental delays.
Dee Dee subjected Gypsy to unnecessary medical treatments and procedures, keeping her confined to a wheelchair and feeding tube despite her being physically healthy. This abuse was meticulously documented on social media and in interactions with charitable organizations, garnering sympathy and financial support. However, it was all based on deception.
Alt text: Screenshot of the memorialized “Dee Gyp Blancharde” Facebook page, focusing on the shocking “That [expletive] is dead!” post from June 2015 that initiated the investigation.
Evidence and testimonies revealed that Gypsy Rose was a victim of medical child abuse, forced to play the role of a sick child for years. This context was crucial in understanding her actions and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Early Release and Parole
Despite the initial 10-year sentence, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was granted parole after serving 7 years. She was released from the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri on December 28, 2023. The Missouri Department of Corrections cited safety, security, and privacy concerns as reasons for restricting in-person coverage of her release.
Her early release highlights the complexities of her case. While she was complicit in her mother’s death, the court recognized the extreme and abusive environment she had endured. Her time served reflects a balance between the severity of the crime and the mitigating circumstances of her life.
In an interview prior to her release, Gypsy Rose expressed remorse for her actions, stating, “No one will ever hear me say I’m proud of what I did or I’m glad that she’s dead. I’m not proud of what I did. I regret it every single day.” This statement underscores the internal conflict and the lasting impact of the events on her life.
Life After Prison
Gypsy Rose’s release marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She has expressed a desire for freedom and normalcy, including simple aspirations like meeting Taylor Swift, whose music she found solace in during her imprisonment. She has also co-authored an ebook titled “Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom,” scheduled for release in January 2024, offering her perspective on her experiences.
Alt text: Gypsy Rose Blanchard during her exclusive interview with People magazine, discussing her feelings and plans leading up to her prison release.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and the complexities of abuse. While she served 7 years for her role in her mother’s death, her story is a testament to the long-lasting impact of trauma and the difficult path to healing and rebuilding a life after abuse and imprisonment.
