A Wisconsin judge has granted release to Morgan Geyser, one of the infamous “Slender Man” stabbers, from psychiatric care after a decade of treatment.
At a Glance
- Morgan Geyser, now 22, stabbed her friend 19 times at age 12 to impress the fictional Slender Man
- Judge Michael Bohren ruled Geyser no longer poses a threat to herself or others
- Geyser had been committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for 40 years
- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services must create a supervised release plan within 60 days
- Geyser will live in a group home and wear an ankle monitor as part of her release conditions
Judge Orders Release of “Slender Man” Stabber
In a significant turn of events, a Wisconsin judge has ordered the release of Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls involved in the notorious “Slender Man” stabbing case that shocked the nation a decade ago. Geyser, now 22, was originally committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for 40 years after being charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide for the 2014 attack on her friend Payton Leutner.
Judge Michael O. Bohren made the ruling on Thursday, stating, “A woman who stabbed her friend 19 times a decade ago to impress a shadowy fictional character named Slender Man when she was 12 will be released from a psychiatric center.” This decision comes after years of treatment and multiple evaluations by mental health professionals.
The Wisconsin woman accused of stabbing her classmate to please horror character Slender Man more than a decade ago asked a judge again Friday to release her from a psychiatric hospital. https://t.co/OitaoM0Qyl
— WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) October 14, 2024
The Road to Release
Geyser’s journey to release has been a long and complex one. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychotic spectrum disorder following the attack, leading to her 40-year psychiatric sentence. However, recent testimony from psychologists indicates significant improvements in her mental health and readiness for supervised release.
“At this point I am in favor, or in support, of her petition for release. Specifically, I don’t think she currently poses a significant risk of substantial harm to herself, others or to property damage,” Brooke Lundbohm said.
Despite these positive assessments, the decision to release Geyser has not been without controversy. Her request for release had been withdrawn twice before, and a previous attempt in April 2024 was denied.
The victim’s mother, Stacie Leutner, expressed cautious trust in the judicial system, stating, “Morgan Geyser has withdrawn her request to be released twice. More recently, her request was denied. We are confident that the judicial system will make a decision that will ensure the community, and my daughter remain safe.”
Conditions of Release and Future Plans
As part of her release conditions, Geyser will be required to live in a group home and wear an ankle monitor. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has been tasked with creating a supervised release plan within 60 days. This structured approach aims to ensure a safe transition for both Geyser and the community.
“She wants to begin, I guess, her life outside of the institution, and recognized that she would be subject to a whole host of expectations and rules, and what could happen if she violated those,” Deborah Collins said.
Looking towards the future, Geyser has expressed aspirations of becoming a librarian and a therapist for people with substance abuse disorders. These goals reflect a desire for rehabilitation and reintegration into society, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Ken Robbins, who noted, “The longer she’s there, at this point, the harder it’s going to be to re-integrate.”
While the decision to release Geyser marks a significant milestone in this high-profile case, it also raises important questions about juvenile justice, mental health treatment, and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. As the community prepares for Geyser’s reintegration, many will be watching closely to see how this next chapter unfolds.
