**Judge Orders Release of Woman Convicted in ‘Slender Man’ Killing**
**Who:** Morgan Geyser, a woman who, at age 12, stabbed her sixth-grade classmate nearly to death to please the online horror character Slender Man.
**What:** Geyser is set to be released from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute after spending nearly seven years there.
**Where:** Wisconsin, specifically the Winnebago Mental Health Institute.
**When:** The decision for Geyser’s release was made by Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren on Thursday.
**Why:** Geyser had petitioned for release four times since June 2022, with the judge previously denying her requests due to concerns about public safety. However, after a recent hearing, Bohren decided to grant her release, stating that she had maximized her treatment options at the facility.
**How:** Geyser will be housed in a group home and supervised, subject to Bohren’s approval at a hearing within 60 days.
Details of the Case
In 2014, Geyser, along with Anissa Weier, lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, to a Waukesha park after a sleepover. Geyser proceeded to stab Leutner 19 times, while Weier encouraged her actions. Miraculously, Leutner survived the brutal attack.
The motive behind the attack was revealed when the girls confessed that they believed carrying out the stabbing would earn them the right to serve Slender Man, an online horror character. They also expressed fear that their families would be harmed if they did not comply.
Legal Proceedings
Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in 2018, leading to her placement in the psychiatric institute due to mental illness. On the other hand, Weier pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide and was granted release in 2021 to live with her father, wearing a GPS monitor as a condition.
Impact on the Community
This case has sparked widespread debate and discussion about mental health treatment, juvenile justice, and the influence of online content on young individuals. It serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between mental health issues and criminal behavior.
As we reflect on this decision to release Morgan Geyser, it is crucial to consider the delicate balance between rehabilitation and public safety in cases involving juvenile offenders. The story of Geyser and her tragic actions highlights the importance of early intervention, mental health support, and ongoing monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future. Let us strive to create a society where individuals struggling with mental health issues receive the care and support they need to heal and reintegrate positively into the community.
