Original subtitles

I'm James Patterson, and you're about to watch a twisty murder tale that you

won't believe.

It's about one Dee Dee Blanchard and her sweet as cherry pie wheelchair -bound

daughter, Gypsy.

This mind -bender is a candidate for the True Crime Hall of Fame. So call your

friends, pull up a sofa, let's watch a murder mystery together.

And take it from me, truth can be stranger than fiction.

really happened.

All right, we'll walk in. Just stay here.

Stay here.

I'm going to go around back.

Hello?

Dee Dee?

Gypsy?

Jesse!

There's blood everywhere!

I want to assure you that the test results are, on the whole, normal.

Thank God.

But there are a few areas of potential concern. Nothing to be alarmed about.

What does that mean?

Well, it's hard to know with infants.

They can't tell us what they're feeling.

So we need to proceed carefully, conscientiously.

I'd like to bring Gypsy in for some more tests.

Do you want me to keep taking notes of her symptoms at home?

Yes, I'd like you both to keep an eye on her sleep patterns. We're eating.

Just jot down anything.

Out of the ordinary.

I'll take care of it.

We're not together anymore.

Ever since she was a baby, Gypsy has struggled with illness.

She overcame childhood leukemia, but still suffers with muscular dystrophy,

seizures, asthma, and a host of other health complications that have left her

confined to a wheelchair.

They survived Hurricane Katrina, and as a single mother, Dee Dee has sacrificed

everything to provide around -the -clock care for her daughter. But despite

their many obstacles, they've never lost hope.

And today marks a new beginning for teenager Gypsy Blanchard, a very brave

girl, and her mother, Dee Dee.

So, Gypsy, what do you think of your new home?

I love it. It's got a ramp for my wheelchair, which makes it easy.

Well, there you have it. A wonderful family finding new home here in

Springfield.

The whole neighborhood was there. And the people who built the house.

And everybody was really excited to be on TV.

And the reporter was really nice.

Oh, did you see me go up our ramp?

I sure did.

You're a celebrity.

This place is so cool, Dad.

Maybe you could come see it.

I'd love to.

I'm planning to drive up for your birthday next month. Would you like

Yeah. Don't get her hopes up, Rod.

I already asked for the time off work.

Can't wait to see you, Gypsy.

Me too, Dad.

Okay.

I don't want Gypsy to get too excited.

We got a big day tomorrow, sweetie.

People are coming over for a welcome to the neighborhood potluck.

People keep bringing us food baskets.

We got chocolate -covered strawberries in one of them. But you go easy on

With your stomach.

I know.

I know.

Okay, Gypsy.

Time to say goodbye.

Okay.

Well... I love you.

I love you, too.

No, that's because she's on a liquid diet, honey. Oh, well, it worked for me.

Oh, you're terrible.

What, another cake?

Relax. Enjoy yourself.

This is me relaxing.

You know, you have done a great job with her, Dee Dee.

That's a credit to you.

Do you want a beer?

Oh, I can't. I'm sure you can.

I have to stay sharp in case something happens, you know? I'm just going to get

some pop.

Cheers. Cheers.

Did you eat my cupcake?

Come.

This is a good town.

Solid, caring people.

You're going to like it.

My gypsy's mentally behind girls her age.

I don't want her exposed to the wrong things.

Oh, well, don't worry about her. Allie's a good girl.

Her whole family goes to church every Sunday. Her mom does the coke drive.

Right? Okay. Okay.

And you can totally buy them to have garishies with me at the drugstore.

I don't know if I look good in makeup.

Everybody looks good in makeup. That's why they invented it.

No, you don't want to go overboard, especially at school.

Kids will call you out.

What grade are you in?

I'm not sure.

I've never really been to school.

You're lucky.

Honestly, food and the cast suck.

You have to write like a million essays. My boyfriend hates it.

I wish I had a boyfriend.

You have really pretty eyes.

How are you girls getting on?

Fine, Mom.

Just talking.

Well, that's good. Thank you, Allie. Of course, Mrs. Blanchard.

The party's winding down, Gypsy.

Why don't you come out and say goodbye to our guests?

You can tell me, honey.

Did you eat something you shouldn't have?

Here, you poor thing.

I'm okay.

Thanks, Mom.

I feel better now.

What was it?

Ice cream?

Did you go and sneak a scoop of ice cream?

I had a cupcake.

I know you think I'm strict.

But this is why you can't eat that stuff.

Well, Gypsy, you seem like a wonderful young woman.

She's a fighter. Yes, she certainly is.

And how are you feeling today?

My tummy hurt yesterday, but it's better now.

What about the seizures?

Birth, same.

I've noted the date and duration of all her seizures here.

Well, great.

Well, this is very helpful.

I'll have the nurse make a copy. And if I may ask about your husband's... Ex

-husband. Yes.

Gypsy's father.

Does his family have a history of nerve disease?

Gypsy's father left us shortly after she was born.

I don't know much about his family history.

Understood.

Okay.

Well, we will run a series of tests and see what we come up with.

Okay, Gypsy?

Thank you, Dr. Ryan. Oh, and going forward, we will need the records from

doctor in Louisiana to design a comprehensive treatment plan.

Of course.

I'll call them today.

almost a thousand wow i only have one hey they're

cute you think him and him oh my friend hooked up with that guy said he had

terrible breath well what about him i'd like to hook up with him yeah

he's cute but hey seriously you know you have to be careful right some of these

dudes are creepers

No, not these dudes. They mostly go to my school, but, like, other guys online.

Time for your medicine.

And time for Ellie to go home.

But she's helping me make a friends online page.

You need your rest, dear.

Can't have her getting sick now, can we?

Maybe we could make one for you and me, Mom. Together.

That might be nice.

Here, get together. We need a profile picture.

Oh.

So, here?

How do I look?

Great.

How's my hair?

Your hair's gorgeous.

Say cheese.

Cheese. Cheese.

page well look at that

The results are inconclusive.

Inconclusive? Sorry, I know it's frustrating, but that is a common

seizure tests.

So, how are you feeling today, Gypsy?

Her medication isn't working.

We need to do something.

Well, there is an experimental drug that we can try, but the side effects can be

severe. Headaches, nausea, tooth loss.

Whatever will make her better.

Oh, I almost forgot. Dr.

Parker's office finally called.

Bad news.

All their files were lost in Katrina.

Including Gypsy's.

That's terrible.

It is.

But I promise you, they all say the same thing. Nobody knows what's making

little girls sick.

I know this isn't easy for either of you, but stay positive.

We're making progress.

What happened to your hair?

My seizure meds made it fall out.

Oh.

Look what the church gave us.

Look at all these requests I'm getting.

Gypsy, hold on. We do that and all of them can contact you.

I know.

That's what I want.

But guys sometimes send weird pics.

You have to be careful.

Okay, sweater, bag.

I can't believe your mom's finally letting us go to the movies alone.

She's going to ask you everything.

I got this. Movies are for wheelchair spots around the back center, which

not going to sit in because we're going to sit next to Mark and Kenny.

Okay, I monitor the oxygen every 15 minutes. I give you these in one hour

these in two hours. The alarm's set on my phone.

And the car?

Easy. I help you into the passenger seat, belt on, and then press...

Here, to fold this thing up.

Okay.

Girl,

bad news.

Dr. Ryan called. He needs to see us.

He wants to adjust the dosage on Chipley's meds.

What about the movies?

They'll still be there tomorrow.

You're getting good at that.

Yeah, I think I am.

Ever since those girls became friends, Gypsy wants to look older, act older.

She's just being a teenager, and her life has been so hard.

Her life is hard.

Everyone loves her.

She has every need taken care of.

What's hard is to be the invisible one in the background.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

When I imagined what my life would be like, I promise you,

this wasn't it.

Exactly what you're playing. Mom, please, please, no!

No, let me get it! Robin!

Please, no!

I was only trying to help. We don't need your help.

Lovely to meet you. These people are here to see you.

Hello, Gypsy.

We're from the First Church of Kansas City.

Hello.

How are you feeling, Gypsy?

Unfortunately, we think her condition has gotten worse.

We've been following your story and praying for you.

Thank you.

What do you say, Gypsy?

Thank.

The medication wears her out.

Would you like some tea or coffee? No, thank you. Just came to bring this.

Our church took up a collection.

God bless you both.

So much.

Tipsy.

These wonderful people are praying for you.

Thank you.

Lunchtime, love.

It's vanilla, your favorite.

You're just being stubborn.

No, you don't understand.

She's wasting away.

Her weight is roughly the same as her last visit.

I'm used to having trouble getting her to eat, but she just refuses.

Well, maybe take her off a restrictive diet.

Have you tried letting her have ice cream or chocolate, maybe?

Something that she really likes?

Try that.

If she still doesn't eat, then come back and see me. She can't eat any of that.

It might be worth a try.

With incontinence, GI reflux, allergies, and everything else, you're prescribing

ice cream?

Dr. Parker would be horrified.

Actually, I spoke to a nurse at Dr. Parker's office.

Marcy.

She remembers Gypsy very well.

They're going to send her records.

They found him after all.

I want to stay here.

I can figure out what's really going on.

I can't believe they gave someone like that a medical license.

Clearly doesn't want to help you get better.

Where are we going?

You're going to eat.

One way or another.

There, there, Sue.

Just relax.

It'll be better soon.

I know my trip up there got canceled because

you got sick, but when you feel up to it, maybe you could come down here for a

visit. Really?

To your house?

Yeah. We have a big screen TV and super fast internet.

I talked to a guy about putting ramps in everywhere.

Pretty doable.

And could I bring my friend?

Yeah.

Sure, of course.

I'd love that.

I'd love to be your friend.

Time things got back to normal around here.

don't you think surprise

You checking on our likes from the silly face video?

Uh -huh.

We got two more.

Good.

We're popular, you and me.

Like two movie stars.

You've reached D .D. and Gypsy.

We must be off on another fun adventure.

Leave a message.

911, what is your emergency?

Oh, there's blood everywhere.

Somebody killed them!

Unit 50 to dispatch.

Kimberly Louise Blanchard?

Yes. Any relation to the deceased?

No.

Were you close?

Yep.

Anyone they have any trouble with?

Uh... Dee Dee's ex -husband, Rod.

Rod Blanchard?

Yeah. Uh...

Dee Dee said he abandoned them, never gave them a dime. From what she told me,

it wasn't a good relationship.

Did he get along with his daughter?

I don't know.

Gypsy didn't say anything, but I never saw him visit.

Okay. Do you have any idea where Gypsy could be?

Wait.

Gypsy wasn't in there?

Get this photo and a description of Gypsy out to the media ASAP. Send out a

bottle. Stay wide. We've got to find this girl.

Slater, we're clear to get to the safe now.

Found a bunch of prescription pills for Gypsy.

Call her doctor.

We need details.

Her illnesses, what meds she's on.

As much as you can find out. I'll get the number of these.

Great.

We need to run Rod Blanchard. Yes?

Yeah. I want to talk to him.

According to this, there's around $4 ,400 inside.

So, burglary gone bad?

Place isn't ransacked. I left the TV, laptop.

Grabbed the money, then had to deal with a girl?

Thinking the ex?

Makes sense.

But it seems he would have taken her medication.

Get that laptop to Jameson right away.

And tell him it's a top priority.

I need to know what's on there.

That the friend?

Yeah. Allie Woodman Z lives down the street.

Allie.

Detective Slater. Hi.

You're a friend of Gypsy's?

Yeah.

Did you notice anything unusual in the last few days?

Uh... She visited a lot of Christian dating sites.

Uh...

faithmatchedating .com, loveanddevotiondating .com, but lately

talking to one guy named Nick.

So what'd you find out?

Rod Blanchard's been cutting a support check to DeeDee every month for years.

And she's been cashing? Yeah.

Gotta say, he seemed legitimately shocked.

He's on his way up from Louisiana as we speak.

This is Slater. It's Jameson.

I just sent you some screenshots.

You need to look at it now.

Just tell me.

That Nick guy said he's coming for her. Is that the last message?

Yeah. Received yesterday.

That's him. Get his IP. I want his full name and address.

Already on it.

the back room.

So you pretended you couldn't walk.

I didn't pretend.

You used a wheelchair for years when you could walk the whole time.

What else are you hiding?

What about these pills? How many of these do you actually need?

I don't know.

There's a lot.

What about this one?

Phrasma. Do you have asthma?

I don't... I'm not sure.

Ever had an attack where you can't breathe?

No. I don't think so.

So then why take the pills?

Open wide.

Swallow.

Lift your tongue.

Good girl.

You don't understand.

She, well, she did things to me.

Please stop, Mama.

I like my hair.

It'll all fall out anyway.

The anticonvulsants do that. She hurt me.

What's this one for?

I don't know. You don't know?

She didn't tell me.

You never asked?

Sometimes.

But she just said they would make me feel better.

But they didn't.

No.

Mama!

That means these are medicine.

That means the medicine is working.

And we need it to keep on working.

I help worse and worse all the time.

Who wrote the friends online message, Gypsy?

Gypsy, who wrote the friends online message?

I did.

Why?

Because I knew that if I posted that, somebody would go check on her.

So you did care.

Of course I cared.

I was trapped.

I just wanted to be normal.

You're buying that story?

Doctors I spoke to think the mother may have suffered from Munchausen's by

proxy. The hell is that?

When a parent or a caregiver fakes an illness of someone else, in this case,

mother and daughter, they thrive on the sympathy and attention that the illness

attracts from others.

Mom got a house, a car, trips, money.

You don't think this was a scam?

I don't know.

But I feel bad for the kid.

She was told she was sick ever since she was a baby.

She was homeschooled and kept away from kids her own age.

The only reality she knew was what her mother showed her.

You don't think she was in on it?

I think she was just a pawn.

I've never seen you walk before.

Thanks for coming.

Of course.

How is it?

It's different.

Strange.

It's better, actually.

Jalen was better than me.

Sorry, honey. I'm so sorry.

I just wish you told me what she was doing. I could have helped. I don't

you did anything wrong.

I love you, Gypsy.

I love you too, Dad.

You see all through me. You see all through me. You see how...