MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin woman, who, at the age of 12, inflicted serious harm on a fellow student to appease the online horror figure Slender Man, is set to be released from a psychiatric facility following a recent court order. A judge made this decision after a panel of experts testified to her significant progress in managing her mental health issues.
Morgan Geyser, who has spent nearly seven years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, had sought her release from Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren multiple times since June 2022. After withdrawing her first two requests, her third plea was rejected in April of this year when the judge determined she still posed a risk to the community. However, Geyser filed another petition in October, leading to a lengthy hearing on Thursday, which resulted in the judge declaring her eligible for release.
Judge Bohren concluded that Geyser had utilized the available treatment options effectively and no longer presented a danger to others. He directed the state Department of Health Services to devise a plan for her transition into a group home, with the expectation of a review within the next 60 days.
While acknowledging the severity of Geyser’s past actions, the judge emphasized the importance of her reintegration into society for her rehabilitation. “She’s done what she’s supposed to do,” Bohren remarked, adding that she has shown a positive attitude throughout her treatment.
In 2014, when both girls were just 12 years old, Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, to a park after a sleepover. Geyser inflicted 19 stab wounds on Leutner, while Weier encouraged her actions. Remarkably, Leutner survived the attack.
The motivation behind the attack, as revealed by the girls, was their belief that they needed to serve Slender Man to protect their families from harm. Geyser was charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and, due to her mental health conditions, was admitted to the psychiatric institution in 2018. Weier similarly faced charges and was committed but was released in 2021 to live with her father while wearing a GPS monitor.
During the recent hearing, three psychologists who have been overseeing Geyser’s progress since her commitment testified that she has made significant advancements, particularly in the last six months. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm explained that Geyser had been successfully weaned off her anti-psychotic medications by early 2023, without experiencing any consequent symptoms.
Dr. Deborah Collins acknowledged that while Geyser retains a certain risk of reoffending due to the nature of her crime, she has demonstrated improved coping mechanisms, better emotional regulation, and a decline in her retreat into fantasy. She also noted Geyser’s expressed remorse over her actions against Leutner and her inability to forgive herself for what transpired.
Dr. Ken Robbins cautioned that continued confinement could exacerbate Geyser’s situation, potentially making reintegration into society more challenging over time. “The longer she’s there, at this point, the harder it’s going to be to re-integrate,” he stated.
However, Assistant District Attorney Ted Szczupakiewicz voiced concerns about Geyser’s trustworthiness, referencing her previous claims that she had faked delusions related to Slender Man and alleging she attacked Leutner to escape an abusive home life. He suggested that this narrative might be a tactic to facilitate her release.
The judge dismissed these concerns, indicating that it is common for mental health profiles to develop over time and evolve based on treatment experiences.
Overall, this development marks a significant milestone in Geyser’s journey toward reintegration after years of treatment and reflects the complexities associated with serious mental health issues and rehabilitation.
