Woman and boyfriend accused of killing her mother in Springfield

ST. LOUIS – Authorities say an investigation that led to murder charges against a Missouri woman and her Wisconsin boyfriend in connection with her mother’s death has uncovered that the daughter may have fooled her community into believing she was disabled.

Greene County prosecutors charged Gypsy Blancharde and 26-year-old Nicholas Godejohn of Big Bend, Wisconsin, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Court records show conflicting ages for Blancharde, ranging from 19 to 23.

Authorities allege the two last week killed 48-year-old Clauddinnea “Dee Dee” Blancharde in the Springfield, Missouri, home she shared with daughter Gypsy, who was widely reported as using a wheelchair. Neighbors told media outlets she suffered from leukemia and muscular dystrophy.

But Sheriff Jim Arnott says Gypsy Blancharde may have feigned the need for a wheelchair as a donations ploy.

This story was originally published June 16, 2015 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Woman and boyfriend accused of killing her mother in Springfield."