A significant development occurred in the case of Morgan Geyser, a Wisconsin woman associated with a tragic stabbing incident involving her classmate in 2014. Geyser, now 23, was ordered back to a psychiatric institution following her escape from a group home last month.
Judge Revokes Release Privileges
Waukesha County Circuit Judge K. Scott Wagner made the decision after a request from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Geyser’s defense attorney, Tony Cotton, informed the court that she would not contest the revocation of her release privileges.
Background of the Incident
In May 2014, Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate Payton Leutner to a park in Waukesha, where Geyser stabbed her 19 times. The brutal attack was motivated by their belief that they needed to impress the fictional character known as Slender Man, who originated on the internet in 2009.
Legal Proceedings and Commitment
- After the attack, all three girls were 12 years old.
- Geyser was committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for 40 years.
- Weier received a 25-year commitment and was conditionally released in 2021.
- Geyser was granted conditional release in September 2022 despite concerns from health officials regarding her trustworthiness.
Escape and Arrest
On November 22, Geyser removed her GPS monitor and fled the group home with a 43-year-old man. The following day, both were apprehended at a truck stop outside Chicago, approximately 170 miles from Madison. Geyser’s companion revealed that they had become friends at church and had been spending time together regularly.
Geyser’s escape appears to have been influenced by her fear of losing access to her companion. The incident raises questions about her management and supervision following her conditional release.
The Slender Man Phenomenon
The character of Slender Man, created by Eric Knudsen in 2009, evolved into a cultural sensation, featuring in various media including video games and films. His portrayal as a sinister figure has led to a significant impact on popular culture, particularly among younger audiences.
