A woman from Wisconsin, who at the age of 12 stabbed her classmate in a gruesome attempt to satisfy the demands of the fictional horror figure Slender Man, has been ordered to be discharged from a psychiatric facility. This ruling came from a judge on Thursday, following testimony from three experts who stated that she has made significant strides in addressing her mental health issues.
Morgan Geyser, who has been residing at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for nearly seven years, had submitted her fourth petition for release after previously withdrawing her first two requests since June 2022. In April, Judge Michael Bohren denied her third petition, explaining that he believed Geyser still posed a danger to society. However, following her latest plea in October, the judge determined during a lengthy hearing on Thursday that Geyser had fully utilized her treatment options and was no longer deemed a risk.
The judge mandated the state’s Department of Health Services to devise a plan to transition Geyser into a group home, where she would be monitored for 60 days pending a follow-up hearing. While acknowledging the severity of her past crime, Bohren emphasized the importance of Geyser reintegrating into society as a crucial step toward genuine rehabilitation. He remarked, “She’s done what she’s supposed to do. She appears to have a good attitude.”
In 2014, when Geyser and her friend, Anissa Weier, were just 12 years old, they lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, to a park following a sleepover. Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times while Weier encouraged her actions, leaving Leutner in a critical condition.
The girls later confessed that their attack was intended to prove their loyalty to Slender Man, fearing repercussions against their families if they did not comply. Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide and was committed to the psychiatric institution due to her mental health condition in 2018. In contrast, Weier pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide, was also institutionalized, but was released in 2021 to live with her father under a GPS monitoring requirement.
During the recent hearing, three psychologists who have closely observed Geyser’s progress stated she has improved considerably, especially in the past six months, supporting her release. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm shared that Geyser had been eased off her anti-psychotic medications earlier this year and had not exhibited any related symptoms since then.
Dr. Deborah Collins noted that while Geyser could present a risk due to her past actions, she has developed better coping mechanisms, enhanced emotional regulation, and relies less on fantasy. Geyser has also expressed deep remorse for her actions and struggles with self-forgiveness. Dr. Ken Robbins warned that should Geyser remain at Winnebago, the feeling of hopelessness could potentially lead her to become a danger again.
While Waukesha County Assistant District Attorney Ted Szczupakiewicz contended that Geyser could not be trusted—citing her claims of having feigned her Slender Man delusions as a means to escape familial abuse—the judge dismissed these concerns, stating that shifts in mental health diagnoses are often normal.
This report has been revised to clarify that Geyser’s third petition was indeed denied in April.
