Dee Dee Blanchard’s tragic story, along with her daughter Gypsy Rose, shocked many people. In June 2015, Dee Dee was found murdered in her home, and the details from her autopsy revealed disturbing facts about her death. This autopsy was crucial in understanding what happened. Let’s take a closer look at who Dee Dee Blanchard was and what the autopsy showed about her death.
Who Is Dee Dee Blanchard?
Dee Dee Blanchard was the mother of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. She was 48 years old at the time of her death. Dee Dee had raised Gypsy on her own, claiming her daughter suffered from multiple serious health issues. This included leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and other chronic conditions.
Dee Dee had convinced everyone, including doctors, that Gypsy was seriously ill and disabled. She confined Gypsy to a wheelchair, shaved her head, and had a feeding tube inserted. It later came to light that Gypsy was actually a healthy young woman. Dee Dee had been faking her illnesses for years.
What Happened With Dee Dee Blanchard?
In June 2015, Dee Dee Blanchard was found dead in her home in Springfield, Missouri. She had been stabbed to death. Her daughter Gypsy Rose was missing.
It soon came to light that Gypsy, along with her secret online boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn, had planned the murder. Gypsy later stated she wanted to escape her mother’s abuse and control. Nicholas had carried out the stabbing while Gypsy hid in the bathroom.
Dee Dee Blanchard Autopsy Details
Dee Dee’s autopsy painted a grim picture of a brutal attack. The medical examiner found Dee Dee had been stabbed 17 times. She had suffered:
- 5 stab wounds to her right lung
- 2 stab wounds to her left lung
- 1 stab wound to her pericardium (the sac around the heart)
- 1 stab wound directly to her heart
- 2 stab wounds to her diaphragm
- 2 stab wounds to her liver
- Additional stab wounds to her head and neck
When Dee Dee’s body was discovered, she was found lying on her stomach. Her face was turned to the side. Other than the stab wounds, no other cuts or bruising were present on her body.
The autopsy did uncover signs of defensive wounds on Dee Dee. This indicates she likely tried to fight back against her attacker. However, the sheer number and severity of the stab wounds quickly proved fatal.
The findings showcase the vicious nature of the crime. Nicholas Godejohn, spurred on by Gypsy’s plan, had stabbed Dee Dee repeatedly to ensure her death. The murder weapon, a knife, was later recovered.
Autopsy Findings
The autopsy of Dee Dee Blanchard revealed she had died a violent death. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was multiple stab wounds – a total of 17 were found on her body. There were also signs of defensive wounds, indicating Dee Dee had fought for her life against her attacker.
Based on the condition of the body, the estimated time of death was placed within a few hours of discovery, likely around June 9, 2015. These grim findings painted a picture of a brutal homicide and would be pivotal in steering the investigation towards suspects, including Dee Dee’s own daughter Gypsy Rose Blanchard.
Legal & Medical Perspectives
From a legal standpoint, the autopsy provided critical evidence that Dee Dee’s death was a homicide caused by stabbing. This laid the groundwork for murder charges to be brought against the perpetrators.
Medical examiners were also able to glean insights into the nature of the crime from the defensive wounds and signs of struggle. It was clear this had been a violent confrontation where Dee Dee fought for her life against her assailant or assailants. These details would be key in prosecuting those responsible.
Public Reaction To Autopsy Report
As details from the autopsy became public, shock and horror were the overriding emotions. For a case that was already disturbing and tragic, the grisly findings hit hard. There was an outpouring of sympathy for Dee Dee and a demand for swift justice.
At the same time, the autopsy shone a spotlight on the complex family dynamics at play. Questions began to emerge about Dee Dee’s relationship with her daughter Gypsy Rose and the years of abuse and control that preceded her death. The public grappled with how a mother-daughter bond could turn so toxic and ultimately deadly.
Conclusion
Dee Dee Blanchard’s murder, revealed through the autopsy, was both tragic and shocking. The details of her death showed the brutal and severe nature of her injuries, highlighting the deep abuse she endured. Gypsy Rose’s desperate actions to escape her mother’s control were a result of years of manipulation and deceit. This case brought to light the serious effects of such abuse and the need to recognize and address these issues before they lead to such devastating outcomes.
