S2 E22: Gypsy Rose Blanchard

Written By Rose Stein

This week Lynn tells us about the haunting story of Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Growing up in the shadow of family disdain, it became clear that Dee Dee, was a master manipulator and an alleged criminal.

Dee Dee's journey into deception began when Gypsy was just three months old, with claims of sleep apnea. Her history of fraud and petty crimes extended to falsely diagnosing Gypsy with numerous illnesses, using her past as a nurse's aide to deceive doctors. With a deep understanding of medical terminology, she fabricated conditions and subjected Gypsy to surgeries, including the removal of salivary glands.

The illusion of Gypsy's illnesses persisted until her teenage years, as Dee Dee kept her out of school and continued to play the role of a devoted caregiver. The public, unaware of the deception, showered the Blanchard’s with sympathy and support.

Gypsy's escape attempts, including a secret online romance with Nicholas Godejohn, led to the shocking murder of Dee Dee. The truth unraveled, exposing Gypsy's years of abuse and unnecessary medical treatments. Gypsy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 10-year sentence, while Godejohn was sentenced to life in prison. Recently released, Gypsy maintains remorse for her actions and seeks a fresh start, leaving behind the twisted legacy of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Rose Stein https://noordinarywomenpod.com
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S2 E23: Susan Kuhnhausen
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S2 E21: Gloria Vanderbilt