A Wisconsin woman who stabbed a classmate nearly to death at age 12 in an attempt to please the online horror character Slender Man will not be released from a psychiatric hospital yet. Despite the testimony of two psychiatrists, including the medical director of Winnebago Mental Health Institute, who said she was ready to return to the community under specific conditions, Judge Michael Bohren ruled against Morgan Geyser, now 21. Bohren cited the standard under Wisconsin law that the decision must be based on clear and convincing evidence that weighs in favor of public safety.
Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier lured Payton Leutner to a park in 2014 after a sleepover, where Geyser repeatedly stabbed her while Weier encouraged her. Leutner survived the attack with 19 stab wounds, and the girls confessed that they did it to avoid harm from the fictional character Slender Man. Geyser was diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder but has been off antipsychotic medications since 2022 with no new symptoms. The medical director recommended a move to a group home for Geyser, stating that the hospital can no longer provide the help she needs for socialization, education, and independence effectively.
Despite the positive assessments from the medical experts, the judge expressed concern over reports that Geyser has suggested in recent years that she carried out the attack to escape her abusive father, who is now deceased. Bohren highlighted issues around Geyser’s credibility and stated that until those are resolved, the risk to public safety remains high. Two psychologists also testified that releasing Geyser would still be premature. Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, maintained that she has not changed her story and believes that she stabbed her classmate due to a trauma-related mental disorder rather than schizophrenia. Geyser can file another petition for release in six months.
Anissa Weier, Geyser’s accomplice, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide and was also sent to the psychiatric center. She was granted a release in 2021 to live with her father under the condition of wearing a GPS monitor. Geyser’s lawyer expressed confidence that with time, it will become evident that Geyser is a healthy and stable individual who should be released into the community. However, public prosecutors, as well as the judge, remain cautious and have not permitted her release at this time. The decision underscores the ongoing discussions around the intersection of mental health, public safety, and rehabilitation efforts for individuals who have committed serious crimes at a young age.
