The Complex Relationship Between Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Nicholas Godejohn: Before and After the 2013 McDonald’s Incident

The relationship between Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Nicholas Godejohn is one of the most scrutinized aspects of the tragic and unsettling Blanchard case. Central to this story is the infamous 2013 McDonald’s incident in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, where Godejohn was arrested after being caught watching pornography in public. He was found carrying a concealed weapon, further raising concerns about his behavior. However, all charges were dropped, and Godejohn did not face legal consequences at that time.

This incident, while seemingly unrelated to the events that followed, provides critical insight into the dynamics of Gypsy and Nick’s relationship—both before and after the arrest.

The Beginning of Their Relationship

Gypsy and Nick met online in 2012 through a Christian dating website. Desperate for companionship beyond her mother Dee Dee Blanchard’s oppressive control, Gypsy quickly bonded with Nick. Their relationship developed through frequent online interactions, where they exchanged intimate messages and explored dark fantasies.

Despite Gypsy’s claims that Dee Dee closely monitored her every move, there are indications that Gypsy had more freedom than she let on. A neighbor named Kevin reported in an article after Dee Dee’s murder that Dee Dee had even bragged about a boy Gypsy was seeing in Wisconsin. The truth about this relationship remains elusive, known only to three people: one is dead, and another has been publicly silenced by Gypsy and her family’s narrative.

The McDonald’s Incident: A Red Flag

In 2013, while Gypsy and Nick’s relationship was still clandestine, Godejohn was involved in an alarming incident at a local McDonald’s in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. Allegedly, he was caught watching pornography on his laptop in public. Police also found a concealed weapon in his possession, raising serious concerns about his mental state.

Though the charges were dropped, this incident became a chilling red flag when viewed in hindsight. Gypsy herself later mentioned the incident during her police interrogation, using it as an example of Nick’s problematic behavior. Interestingly, Gypsy’s account raises questions about her own involvement—was she merely a passive observer of Nick’s troubling tendencies, or did her influence play a role in his actions?

Some have even speculated that the pornography Nick was viewing may have involved Gypsy herself, given the deeply intimate and often manipulative nature of their relationship. Gypsy’s interrogation statements also hinted at her ability to steer narratives, as she used the incident to set a precedent for Nick’s “bad behavior” while omitting her own history of deceit and control.

Gypsy and Nick’s Relationship Post-Incident

Despite the troubling implications of Nick’s arrest, Gypsy continued to pursue their relationship. Rather than distancing herself, she appeared increasingly committed, with their bond growing stronger and more secretive.

By 2014, their interactions had escalated into detailed discussions about escaping Dee Dee’s control. These conversations often veered into violent and sexual fantasies, fueled by Gypsy’s rich imagination and penchant for dark themes. Their plans soon morphed into something far more sinister—murdering Dee Dee as the ultimate solution to their problems.

The Path to Murder

The years following the McDonald’s incident saw Gypsy and Nick’s relationship devolve into a toxic, conspiratorial partnership. Their fantasies blurred the line between imagination and intent, culminating in their 2015 plot to kill Dee Dee.

When Nick traveled to Springfield, Missouri, he allegedly carried out the murder while Gypsy played a key role in orchestrating the act. Evidence suggests that Gypsy was far from a passive victim—her active participation in planning and executing the crime revealed a level of manipulation and agency that complicates her portrayal as a victim.

Public and Legal Reactions

During Nick’s trial, his history—including the McDonald’s incident—became a focal point for both the prosecution and defense. His lawyers argued that his actions were influenced by autism spectrum disorder and other mental health issues, while prosecutors painted a picture of premeditated violence.

Gypsy, meanwhile, framed herself as a victim of Dee Dee’s abuse and Nick’s influence. However, evidence of her central role in the murder plot undermined this narrative.

Legacy of the McDonald’s Incident

The 2013 McDonald’s arrest has since been weaponized against Nick as a harbinger of the violence to come. For Gypsy, the incident underscores the complexities of her circumstances: while she was claims to be a victim of her mother’s abuse, her actions reveal a capacity for manipulation and planning that cannot be ignored. Her continuing lies and more evidence coming forward chips away at the abuse story and highlights a dark, demented, murder plot and more by Gypsy.

This case challenges simplistic notions of victimhood and culpability. As more evidence emerges, it becomes clear that the truth is far more nuanced than the narratives spun by Gypsy and her supporters. With every new piece of information, we peel back another layer of deception in a story that has captivated and divided public opinion.

The McDonald’s incident, far from being a standalone red flag, serves as a stark reminder of the toxic dynamics between Gypsy and Nick. It invites us to critically examine the events leading up to the murder—not through the lens of preconstructed narratives, but with an eye toward the complex interplay of desperation, dependency, and manipulation that defined their relationship.

Below is the actual report from the incident in 2013. We’d love to know your thoughts and feelings about this and if you feel it was a red flag to what was to come for Nick.

Thank you to Crime for Dummies allowing us to share the items of evidence they collected over the years as well.