September 18, 2024

Supreme Court of Missouri

207 W High St

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Subject: Petition for Retrial for Nicholas Godejohn – Case No. 17CF-CR00843-01

Dear Honorable Justices of the Missouri Supreme Court,

I write to you today to humbly request your reconsideration of the case of Nicholas Godejohn, whose life now hangs in the balance after being sentenced to life in prison for the 2015 murder of Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard. I believe it is imperative to grant Mr. Godejohn a retrial to ensure that his rights as a person with autism and special needs are fully represented and respected within our justice system.

Throughout his trial, Mr. Godejohn's neurodevelopmental condition and cognitive challenges were not adequately factored into his defense. As a person with autism, Nicholas faces unique struggles in understanding social situations, processing complex emotional responses, and navigating interactions. These traits were key to his involvement in this case, and yet they were largely overlooked in the courtroom.

It is essential that people with disabilities, particularly those with autism, receive the appropriate legal protections and representation they are entitled to under the law. Without this, the legal system risks punishing individuals for the very traits associated with their disabilities, rather than ensuring a fair and just outcome. Mr. Godejohn was manipulated by his co-defendant, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose own role in this crime has been widely publicized. She has since been released from prison and is now profiting from her story, while Mr. Godejohn remains incarcerated for a crime that he did not fully comprehend due to his neurodivergence.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, while playing a pivotal role in orchestrating her mother's murder, is now free and building a significant social media presence, benefiting from the very story that led to Nicholas's conviction. It is a stark injustice that one co-defendant walks free while Nicholas, who requires care and understanding, remains in prison for life.

This petition is not to deny the severity of the crime, but to underscore the need for justice that is tempered with understanding and compassion for those who are vulnerable. This is Nicholas's last chance to receive a fair trial, and the time to act is now. By granting Mr. Godejohn a retrial, we can ensure that justice is served for all parties involved, particularly those whose mental health and cognitive disabilities were not given proper consideration.

I urge the Court to review this case with the fairness and humanity that our legal system promises to all citizens. Nicholas Godejohn, like many individuals with autism and special needs, deserves a chance to have his condition fully represented in court and to be granted a trial that acknowledges the challenges he faces.

Thank you for your time and consideration.