To the Governor of Missouri and the appropriate authorities responsible for clemency:

We respectfully ask that the State of Missouri consider the extraordinary circumstances of Nicholas Godejohn’s case and, when legally appropriate, give compassionate consideration to his life-without-parole sentence.

We recognize the seriousness of Dee Dee Blanchard’s death and the lasting pain experienced by her family and loved ones. Nothing in this petition is intended to diminish that loss or excuse Nicholas’s responsibility for his actions.

Our request is simply that his punishment be considered in the context of the entire story.

Nicholas was a young man at the time of the offense. His autism, psychological vulnerabilities, cognitive functioning, and his unusually dependent relationship with Gypsy Rose Blanchard were important aspects of his case.

The circumstances surrounding the crime were exceptionally complicated. They involved a history of abuse, isolation, manipulation, and a relationship in which both Nicholas and Gypsy played different roles.

Nicholas ultimately received a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

That sentence means that, under the current circumstances, there is no ordinary opportunity for him to demonstrate how he has changed over the course of his life.

We respectfully ask whether there should be room for that possibility.

A person can be held accountable for a terrible decision while still being capable of growth, maturity, rehabilitation, and change.

Nicholas will spend many years of his life reflecting on what happened. With time, education, treatment, positive conduct, and continued rehabilitation, he may become a very different person from the young man who entered prison.

We believe that possibility deserves consideration.

We are not asking for his responsibility to be erased.

We are not asking the State to disregard the victim or the seriousness of the crime.

And we are not asking that he simply be released without safeguards.

We are asking for the possibility of meaningful sentence review and, if legally available and appropriate in the future, consideration of a commutation or sentence that could allow for eventual supervised release.

The difference between accountability and hopelessness is important.

Accountability says that a person must face the consequences of their actions.

Hopelessness says that a person can never change.

We believe there is room for accountability and the possibility of redemption.

We respectfully ask Missouri to consider not only the person Nicholas was at the time of the crime, but also the person he may become after decades of reflection and rehabilitation.

Please consider giving him the opportunity, when legally permitted, to demonstrate that change.

We ask everyone who signs this petition to do so respectfully—with compassion for Dee Dee Blanchard and everyone affected by her death, while also recognizing Nicholas Godejohn’s capacity for growth and rehabilitation.

Justice can recognize the profound harm caused while still allowing room for mercy.

Please sign and share this petition if you believe that rehabilitation should have a place in our justice system, and that a person should have the possibility of demonstrating that they have changed.

**Accountability matters.

Compassion matters.
Rehabilitation matters.**

Please give Nicholas the opportunity, when legally possible, to be considered for a second chance.