Judge denied release of woman who stabbed childhood friend because of ‘Slender Man’

On April 11, 2019, a Wisconsin judge denied the conditional release of Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls involved in the infamous Slender Man stabbing case that took place in 2014. The incident occurred when Geyser and her then-friend Anissa Weier, both aged 12 at the time, lured their classmate Payton Leutner into the woods near their homes in Waukesha, Wisconsin. They believed that if they killed Leutner as a sacrifice to the fictional character Slender Man, he would protect them.

During the attack, Geyser repeatedly stabbed Leutner 19 times, while Weier only inflicted one wound. Leutner managed to escape and call for help after she regained consciousness. Both girls were charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Geyser was diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia and was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. She was committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for treatment. Weier, who also suffered from mental health issues, was found guilty but mentally ill and sentenced to 25 years in a mental health institution.

The conditional release hearing for Morgan Geyser took place at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. The judge, Jennifer D. McEwen, determined that Geyser was not yet ready for release due to her ongoing mental health issues and the risk she poses to public safety. The decision was based on the testimony from mental health professionals and law enforcement officials.

The judge's ruling means that Geyser will remain at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for further treatment and evaluation. The next hearing for her potential release is scheduled for October 2020.

The Slender Man is a fictional character that originated from an internet mythology and is often depicted as a faceless, tall, thin man with elongated limbs. The mythology surrounding him includes stories about his ability to abduct and harm children. The incident involving Geyser and Weier gained widespread attention due to its violent nature and the involvement of the Slender Man myth.