Introduction
Recently, the case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard has received a great deal of media attention as a true crime scene and as part of sociology’ where we see the worst kind of abuse called a Munchausen abuse case. The battle with these disease leads to a struggle with depression, multiple manipulations, and finally everything ends with murder. As expected, the story received international fame and was the subject of numerous documentaries, dramatizations, and horrible conspiracy theories.
One of the most contested aspects of this case are crime scene photographs that emerged during the investigation which revealed some horrifying aspects surrounding the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard, mother of Gypsy. In this piece, we explore the background of the crime, how these images fit in the middle of the investigation, and what moral and legal questions the case raised.
Who is Gypsy Rose Blanchard?
Gypsy Rose Blanchard is one of those that were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Dee Dee Blanchard, when pregnant with her daughter, experienced many traumatic events including but not limited to having low IQ, having leukemia, and having muscular dystrophy. Dee Dee’s actions allowed her to receive domestic care for Gypsy, which earned her sympathy and monetary assistance from institutions, as well as free accommodation.
But no, the reality was actually uglier, Gypsy suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This is a medical condition in which a caregiver, for example, a mother fabricates or induces illness in her child. Actually, Dee Dee was the one who controlled everything about Gypsy, kept her away from the normal life, and made her go through a number of extra medications.
Eventually, this toxic relationship led Gypsy to team up with her online boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to plot the murder of Dee Dee in June 2015.
What Practically Happened During The Crime?
On the night of 14\06\15, Nicholas Godejohn was arrested after he stabbed Dee Dee Blanchard multiple times while she was peacefully sleeping in her house in Springfield, Missouri. During the time of the attack Gypsy was present in the house but she confined herself in the bathroom. After the murder of Dee Dee the couple escaped and reached Wisconsin where Godejohn was a resident.
The Scene Of The Crime
She ingested the poison while looking into a number of unusual posts using her account “that bitch is dead”. In this respect, this camera angle helped numerous eyes have an understanding of why the body was missing.
The State Of Deedee’s Body:
Deedee’s body was discovered when it was lying face down on the bed. This finding was previously clouded by the plethora of blood that coated the area around it.
Personal motive is strongly indicated by the set of stab wounds sustained during the fray, which are suggestive of an emotional outburst.
House Condition:
The house was messy which probably was a factor of disorganization of the household.
Gypsy’s fictitious diseases were managed by Dee Dee, as prescription drugs along with medical equipment were dispersed between them.
Planning Involved:
There was a set of items such as gloves and cleaning materials that were discovered as well, indicating that deter from the fact that she got murderous intentions.
Godejohn later tried to repudiate his involvement by trying to deny a connection with Godejohn claim — that there was a knife involved.
Using Photographs of the Crime Scene for the Investigation.
Crime scene photos were a major asset in the investigation and the trial more because they had some significant elements of the crime depicted:
Assessing the Circumstances of the Attack:
The numerous stab wounds suffered during the attack speak of great cruelty to the degree of refuting the possibility of it being done out of a whim.
Nurturing the Special Relationship:
The images depicted of the room gave some meaning to the power dynamics within the relationship, verifying abuse and neglect allegations against Dee Dee’s character.
Complementing Evidence:
Photographic evidence assisted in the detail of memories that both Gypsy and Godejohn claim were the events preceding the murder.
The Public’s Response to the Case
Awards and accolades aside, the life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard is quite an enigma. For some, Gypsy became an accomplice in the gruesome murder, while for some she was the victim herself, who committed the act out of sheer helplessness. The controversy ignited further as images of the aftermath including terrible picturesfrom the scene were brought into the public domain raising further discussions revolving around such displays.
Ethics That Need To Be Considered
Some argue that images from a crime scene provide a sense of closure as they satiate the gratuitous curiosity of many, while for others such images only inflict harm and suffering to the family, as it questions the dignity of the dead. In the case of Gypsy, such images are important but at the same time draw a fine line between respect and victimization of a crime.
The Trial and Sentencing Come To An End
Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Gypsy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. A year’s worth of abuse from the hands of her mother was the reason claimed by her lawyer for why that is the case.
Nicholas Godejohn
Godejohn also came away with a conviction but due to a first-degree murder, prison usually comes to mind when thinking of the life sentence he got. The attacker Eric’s office was quick to make him the scapegoat.
Gypsy Rose Case: Lessons That We All Can Learn From
The first iteration brought about by this case was tied to ones involving Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, considering the impact it had on individuals dealing with the disorder.
Understanding the Cases of Abuse from a Complex Perspective:
The case of Gypsy reflects the difficulty of identifying and intervening in situations with abuse when the abuser is a primary caregiver and trust figure.
Balancing Ethics And The Use Of Crime Scene Images:
There exists a prejudice in liking an image to stand on it’s on right except crime scene images which are detrimental to public image and salvage of families need to be weighed out properly before any legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gypsy Rose Crime Scene and The Case
Are the photographs of the crime scene of gypsy rose’s case out in the public domain?
Certain pictures do exist on the internet however their publication is controversial how people with reason to be offended argue ethics concerning their wide circulation and vividness.
What lead Gypsy Rose to be a Part of the Killplan Against her Mother?
The prime reason why gypsy went on to murder her own mother is the years long torture and control she faced which she thought could only be dealt with through homicide drawing her perspective on why it is ok to kill her own mother.
What Role Did Nicholas Godejohn Have In The Crime?
The relationship that gypsy and godejohn possessed along with gypsy’s desperation for escape of her abuse made her ask ganga bra once to kill her mother to which he complied.
Has The Involvement Of The Case Changed The Society’s Perspective On Munchausen Syndrome Such That It Comes Into The Light?
This Case as long with exposing this uncommon yet serious abuse made people question – how is it possible to stop or notice abuse of this kind in the first place?
What is Rehabilitation from Gypsy Rose Taking a Stand for?
Gypsy would have to serve her sentence however in this case seems remorseful and focused on rehabilitation.
Conclusion
The case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and the terrible images shared after her mother’s murder invite various questions about abuse, mental disorders and justice. It comes as no surprise the photos are closely related with understanding the crime, but they unfortunately could well also depict the cost of neglect of mental health and abuse of individuals.
As the case continues to attract media with different angles and features, it offers vital lessons about how abuse should be detected and its survivors helped in time to avoid dreadful consequences.
