Nicholas Godejohn
FOIA Documents
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) records, reports, and other materials obtained through public records requests related to this case.
Case Overview
Nicholas Paul Godejohn is the Wisconsin man convicted of murdering Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard in Springfield, Missouri, on June 10, 2015. His involvement in the case transformed what initially appeared to be a straightforward homicide into one of the most debated true crime cases in modern America.
While Gypsy Rose Blanchard pleaded guilty to second degree murder and was released from prison in 2023, Godejohn was convicted of first degree murder and remains incarcerated under a life without parole sentence.
Early Life
Nicholas Godejohn grew up in Wisconsin and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Family members, counselors, and expert witnesses later testified that he struggled socially, had difficulty understanding complex interpersonal relationships, and often became intensely focused on specific interests and people.
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His developmental challenges became a major issue during both his trial and subsequent appeals, with defense attorneys arguing that his autism made him particularly vulnerable to manipulation and coercion.
Meeting Gypsy Rose
Godejohn met Gypsy Rose Blanchard online in 2012 through a Christian dating website. Over the next several years, they exchanged thousands of messages, videos, fantasy role play scenarios, and developed an intense online relationship. Both adopted alternate personas during their communications.
The relationship eventually progressed to in person meetings. According to court records and later interviews, Gypsy helped pay for Godejohn's travel to Missouri. Their relationship became increasingly serious, with discussions about marriage and a future together.
The Murder of Dee Dee Blanchard
According to prosecutors, Gypsy and Nicholas planned the murder together. Evidence presented at trial showed that Gypsy obtained the knife used in the killing, arranged Godejohn's travel to Springfield, and allowed him access to the home after Dee Dee went to sleep.
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In the early morning hours of June 10, 2015, Godejohn entered Dee Dee's bedroom and stabbed her to death while she slept. Gypsy later stated she hid in the bathroom during the attack. After the murder, the pair fled Missouri and traveled to Wisconsin, where they were later arrested.
Trial and Conviction
Unlike Gypsy Rose, who accepted a plea agreement, Godejohn chose to go to trial. Prosecutors argued that he knowingly committed a premeditated murder. The defense acknowledged that he carried out the stabbing but argued that his autism, mental health issues, and susceptibility to influence should have been considered more heavily.
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In 2018, a Missouri jury convicted Godejohn of:
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First degree murder
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Armed criminal action
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He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 25 year sentence for armed criminal action.
Appeals and Ongoing Debate
Since his conviction, Godejohn has pursued multiple appeals. His legal team has argued that:
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His autism was not adequately considered during trial.
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Expert testimony regarding his susceptibility to manipulation should have been given greater weight.
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Evidence regarding Gypsy Rose's influence over him was not fully presented to the jury.
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One appeal included testimony from psychologists, family members, and jail personnel who described him as highly suggestible and socially vulnerable. Despite these efforts, courts have thus far upheld his conviction.
Why Nicholas Godejohn Remains Controversial
Since his conviction, Godejohn has pursued multiple appeals. His legal team has argued that:
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His autism was not adequately considered during trial.
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Expert testimony regarding his susceptibility to manipulation should have been given greater weight.
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Evidence regarding Gypsy Rose's influence over him was not fully presented to the jury.
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One appeal included testimony from psychologists, family members, and jail personnel who described him as highly suggestible and socially vulnerable. Despite these efforts, courts have thus far upheld his conviction.
What Into the Weeds Has Examined
Through document collection, FOIA requests, prison records, interviews, and review of publicly available evidence, Into the Weeds has examined several aspects of Nicholas Godejohn's role in the case, including:
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The extensive online communications between Gypsy Rose and Nicholas.
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The planning that occurred before the murder.
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Claims regarding manipulation, coercion, and influence.
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Trial testimony and appeal records concerning autism and competency.
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Contradictions and disputed narratives presented by various media productions.
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Previously unreleased videos and communications that have surfaced through public records requests.
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Our goal is not to excuse or condemn Nicholas Godejohn. Rather, it is to understand how a socially isolated autistic young man from Wisconsin became involved in one of the most notorious homicide cases in recent American history and to examine all available evidence surrounding the events that led to Dee Dee Blanchard's death.
Current Status
Consulting
As of 2026, Nicholas Godejohn remains incarcerated in Missouri serving a life sentence without parole. His case continues to attract attention from legal analysts, autism advocates, true crime researchers, and members of the public who remain divided over the question that has lingered since 2015:
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Was Nicholas Godejohn primarily a calculating murderer, a vulnerable individual manipulated into committing a crime, or some combination of both?
