Morgan Geyser, who, at the age of 12, was involved in the brutal stabbing of her classmate to impress the mythical internet figure “Slender Man,” has been granted release from a psychiatric facility after serving several years in treatment. A Wisconsin judge ruled on Thursday, January 9, 2025, that the 22-year-old should be discharged from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute following testimony from medical experts who reported significant progress in her treatment.
The 2014 Attack
In 2014, Geyser, alongside her co-defendant Anissa Weier, attacked their 12-year-old friend Payton Leutner, stabbing her 19 times in an effort to appease the fictional character “Slender Man.” The two girls lured Leutner into the woods during a sleepover under the guise of playing a game of hide-and-seek. Geyser then carried out the brutal attack while Weier encouraged her. After the stabbing, Leutner managed to crawl to a nearby bike path, where she was rescued by a passerby.
Leutner, despite her severe injuries, survived the attack and later became the center of national attention, sparking debates about mental health, internet culture, and the influence of online myths. Geyser and Weier, both 12 at the time, were charged with attempted homicide. In 2017, Geyser pleaded guilty to the charge.
Geyser’s Psychiatric Treatment and Progress
Geyser’s release comes after a lengthy period of treatment at the Oshkosh-based Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she had been housed since her conviction. During her stay, Geyser underwent extensive psychological treatment, and experts testified on her behalf during the recent court hearing.
Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren, who presided over the case, noted that Geyser was no longer considered a safety risk. “She’s done what she’s supposed to do,” Bohren said, according to CNN. He also indicated that she appeared to have a positive attitude and had shown notable progress in managing her mental health issues.
Experts testified that Geyser had made significant strides in her recovery. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm, one of the psychologists who evaluated Geyser, noted that she had stopped taking antidepressants nearly two years ago and had not experienced any significant symptoms since discontinuing the medication. Dr. Deborah Collins further testified that Geyser had shown improved coping skills and had expressed deep remorse for her actions, stating that she could not forgive herself for attacking Leutner.
Dr. Ken Robbins, another expert witness, warned that continuing Geyser’s institutionalization could increase her risk of becoming a danger to others. “The longer she’s there, at this point, the harder it’s going to be to re-integrate,” he said during the proceedings. His testimony played a key role in persuading the court to release Geyser.
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Conditions of Release
Despite the ruling in favor of Geyser’s release, Judge Bohren ordered that she be placed in a group home under the supervision of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. She will remain under supervision for 60 days, during which time the judge will assess her reintegration into society.
The decision to release Geyser follows years of legal battles and unsuccessful petitions for early release. Her lawyers had previously sought to have her released, but her requests were denied. In April 2024, Geyser’s petition for release was rejected, but Thursday’s ruling marked a significant shift.
Co-Defendant Anissa Weier’s Release
Geyser’s release follows the earlier release of her co-defendant, Anissa Weier. In 2021, Weier was granted release after serving nearly four years at the same psychiatric facility. At the time of her release, Weier had also undergone extensive psychiatric treatment and demonstrated significant progress in her recovery.
In a letter obtained by WDJT-TV, Weier explained her desire to reintegrate into society, stating, “If I am to become a productive member of society, I need to be a part of society.” Weier’s case, like Geyser’s, raised important questions about the balance between punishment, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation.
Public Reactions and Controversy
Geyser’s case, often referred to as the “Slender Man stabbing,” has remained a highly controversial and widely publicized incident. Many have debated the girls’ mental health, the influence of internet culture on young minds, and the appropriate legal response to crimes committed by minors. While Geyser’s progress in therapy has been recognized, some remain skeptical of her release, questioning whether she is truly ready to re-enter society.
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Leutner, who survived the horrific attack, has remained largely out of the public eye since the incident. The attack left her physically and emotionally scarred, and she continues to receive support as she works to heal from the trauma.
Geyser’s release is likely to continue to spark debate, particularly as she navigates her life outside the psychiatric facility. While some view it as a sign of rehabilitation and a chance for a young woman to rebuild her life, others remain concerned about the long-term consequences of her actions.
Looking Ahead
As Morgan Geyser begins her reintegration into society, her case will continue to be scrutinized by both the public and legal experts. The complex nature of her crime, combined with her mental health history, ensures that her future will be closely watched as she adapts to life outside the psychiatric facility.
The case of Geyser and Weier serves as a chilling reminder of the dark side of internet culture and its potential influence on vulnerable young minds. It also highlights the difficult intersection of criminal justice, mental health, and rehabilitation, and it raises important questions about the best ways to handle cases involving minors who commit serious crimes.
