Nicholas Godejohn (born on May 20, 1989, in Big Bend, Wisconsin)[1] is an American man who became known for his involvement in the murder of Claudine "Dee Dee" Blanchard, the mother of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard.[2]
According to Godejohn's defense, he was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, developmental disabilities were expected, and he was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and Asperger syndrome. During opening statements, defense attorney Andrew Mead indicated that he also experienced hallucinations as a teenager, and did not receive consistent psychiatric treatment. The defense further stated that Godejohn had few friends, spent most of his time online and lacked emotional support from his family.[2]
Relationship with Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Godejohn met Gypsy Rose Blanchard in 2012 on a Christian dating website.[4] In later interviews, he described their initial connection as intense, saying, "It was almost like love at first sight... I just connected instantly with [her]."[4] Their online relationship continued for 2-3 years and involved extensive messaging, video exchanges, and role-playing through alternate personas adopted by both individuals.[2][5]
During this period, Blanchard and Godejohn arranged to meet at a local movie theater.[4] Blanchard sent him money for travel and clothing so he could present himself in a way she believed would impress her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.[6][2] The two reportedly engaged in sexual activity in a bathroom stall during this encounter.[2] Godejohn later described his initial meeting with Dee Dee as polite and non-confrontational.[7]
In the months following their in-person meeting, Godejohn stated that Blanchard asked him if he would do anything to be with her, including killing her mother. Godejohn said he initially freaked out, but she told him she was serious, stating it was the only way to be with him.[4]
He later asked her, "Are you willing to risk everything to have everything?" According to Godejohn, she replied, "Yes. I want to marry you. I want to be with you. I want everything with you. I'm willing to risk everything if that means being with you for the rest of my life."[4]
During his police interrogation, Godejohn admitted that he had acted on her request, which ultimately led to Dee Dee Blanchard's death.[8]
Murder of Dee Dee Blanchard
Blanchard stole money from her mother to facilitate Godejohn's travel to Springfield, Missouri in June of 2015, where he would kill her mother.[9][10] When Godejohn arrived, gloves and a knife were present in the house, which Blanchard later admitted she had obtained.[11] He then attacked Dee Dee, while she lay in her bed, stabbing her to death in the middle of the night.[12][9]
Arrest and trial
Godejohn was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.[13] After initially waiving his right to a jury trial, Godejohn went on to reject two plea deals before ultimately standing trial in 2018.[13] During the trial, the defense called Dr. Kent Franks, a forensic psychologist, to testify about Godejohn's autism, mental health and results from a series of intelligence and psychological test.[2] Godejohn was found guilty on both charges and sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and 25 years for armed criminal action (concurrent) without the possibility of parole.[2]
2022 appeal hearing
Following his 2018 conviction, Godejohn filed an appeal in 2022, arguing ineffective counsel and highlighting concerns about his ability to understand the proceedings due to autism spectrum disorder.[13]
Defense testimony
The defense presented multiple witnesses to support their claim:
Stacy Sullivan, a counselor at Waukesha County Jail, testified that Godejohn was diagnosed with autism and Asperger syndrome and showed signs of vulnerability and depression while in jail in 2015. She noted that Godejohn's focus was primarily on Gypsy Rose Blanchard, rather than his charges.[13]
Family Members, including Godejohn's uncle Paul Curry and cousin Amber Morris, described his developmental differences, social challenges, and lack of proper care or guidance during childhood and adolescence. They stated that Godejohn struggled with social interactions, hygiene, and independent living skills.[13]
Dr. Theodore Wasserman, a pediatric neuropsychologist, testified that Godejohn's autism made him susceptible to manipulation by Gypsy, including her use of role-playing videos and text messages instructing him to commit the murder. Wasserman stated that Godejohn likely could not fully understand his Miranda rights or deliberate the murder in the same manner as a neurotypical individual.[13]
Daniel Glidewell, who met Gypsy at a convention, testified that they stayed in contact through video chats. He testified that Gypsy told him her mother made her use a wheelchair and undergo unnecessary medical treatments. Glidewell said their relationship progressed from friendship to a sexual relationship, including exchanges of explicit videos and occasional role-playing in which Gypsy used costumes and alternate identities. He testified that she initially seemed shy but gradually engaged in more elaborate power-exchange dynamics. Glidewell also said that after he was hospitalized due to an injury, Gypsy visited him and told him she wanted to move to Arkansas to restart her life.[13]
Andrew Mead and Dewayne Perry, (with Perry having been named in a legal, non-related malpractice lawsuit filed in 2011) were Godejohn's formal trial attorneys.[14][15] They were questioned by appellate counsel about decisions made during the original trial. They were asked about the choice to not to hire additional autism or neuropsychology experts, reliance on Dr. Kent Franks' evaluation, the decision not to call family members as witnesses, the choice not to seek a change of venue despite media coverage, and whether there was strategic reasoning for not presenting images and video taken from Gypsy's phone, including images of Dee Dee sleeping in her room.[13]
The defense also highlighted media coverage and documentaries, such as Mommy Dead and Dearest, Gypsy's Revenge, and ABC 20/20 specials. Arguing that these programs portrayed Godejohn and the events in ways that could have biased potential jurors.[13]
Prosecution cross-examination
The prosecution questioned the defense witnesses on Godejohn's capacity to understand his actions and the role of media:
Dr. Wasserman acknowledged that Godejohn had previously expressed doubts about killing Dee Dee and had communicated with peers about Gypsy's requests, suggesting he may have had the ability to rationalize.[13]
Prosecutors emphasized that Godejohn had prior access to explicit sexual content and engaged in role-play independently, indicating a degree of premeditation and independent thought.[13]
Andrew Mead and Dewayne Perry, members of Godejohn's previous trial defense team, were questioned about their trial strategy, media exposure, evidence of premeditation, and Mead's awareness of the defendant's autism. Mead acknowledged that the defense pursued diminished capacity, confirmed there was no duress defense and admitted he did not hire a neuropsychologist, did not question jurors about media coverage, and did not seek lesser charges. He stated that Godejohn spoke to the media against his advice and that he was unsure of whether Godejohn understood the risks.[13]
Evidence presented
During the hearing, the defense introduced a series of videos and documents, including:
Videos recorded by Gypsy Blanchard, depicting herself in role-playing scenarios that allegedly instructed Godejohn on how to commit the murder.[13]
A report identifying two items of interest: (1) photos and videos of a walk-through of the murder in which Gypsy appears to make a stabbing motion, and (2) images and video of Dee Dee's bedroom, including another walk-through filmed about a month before the killing.[13]
Clips from television programs and news coverage portraying the murder and the individuals involved.[13]
The defense argued that autism-related expert testimony and evidence of Gypsy Blanchard's influence had not been adequately presented during the original trial, undermining Godejohn's ability to receive a fair verdict.[16][17]
Appeal conclusion
The appeal hearing concluded on August 11, 2022, with the defense resting after presenting witness testimony and evidence. The court allowed each side 45 days to submit proposed outcomes, followed by 15 days for the opposing side to respond, with the opportunity for rebuttal.[13] Godejohn's appeal was ultimately denied by Greene County Judge David Jones in March 2023. He remains incarcerated, serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, plus 25 years for armed criminal action.[18]
Other legal issues
In March 2013, Godejohn was arrested in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. He later pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and the weapon charge was dismissed.[19]
Public discussion
The case has prompted debate about the treatment of neurodivergent individuals in the criminal justice system.[20]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.