Morgan Geyser Granted Release from Psychiatric Hospital after Slender Man Stabbing

On January 9, 2025, a Waukesha County Circuit judge approved the release of Morgan Geyser, one of the two assailants responsible for the notorious 2014 Slender Man stabbing. Geyser, now 22 years old, will transition to a group home after nearly seven years of treatment at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. The case has generated national attention due to its shocking nature and the implications of mental health in crime.

Background of the Incident

On May 31, 2014, Morgan Geyser and her accomplice Anissa Weier, both 12 years old at the time, lured their classmate Payton Leutner to a secluded area in a Waukesha park where Geyser stabbed her 19 times. The chilling motive behind this brutal attack was to please Slender Man, a fictional horror character that loomed large over the girls' imaginations. They claimed fear of reprisal against their families if they did not commit the violent act.

Legal Proceedings

Upon their arrest, both girls were charged as adults, facing the severe consequences of their actions. Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and in 2018, she was sentenced to up to 40 years in a psychiatric hospital. Weier similarly pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide and received a 25-year sentence, but was released in 2021 under specific conditions.

Recent Developments

After multiple requests for release—four petitions since June 2022—Judge Michael Bohren found that Geyser had made significant progress in her treatment. He noted that she maximized her treatment options and posed a manageable risk to the community. As part of her release plan, the Department of Health Services has been ordered to implement conditions for her supervision, which includes an upcoming hearing to approve her housing arrangement in a group home within 60 days.

Psychologists' Testimonies

During Geyser's latest hearing, three psychologists vouched for her readiness to reintegrate into society. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm testified that Geyser had shown marked improvement in her mental health, and no longer exhibited psychotic symptoms. She was weaned off antipsychotic medication and has expressed plans for a future which includes goals of becoming a librarian or a therapist for those dealing with substance abuse.

Dr. Ken Robbins, while recognizing the inherent risks associated with Geyser's past actions, acknowledged her potential to be a productive member of society, supporting the idea of her reintegration.

Community Response

The case has sparked varied reactions from the community and Leutner's family. Stacie Leutner, Payton's mother, voiced her concerns before the hearing, expressing hope that the judicial system would prioritize community safety alongside Geyser’s potential for rehabilitation.

The complexities of this case highlight the delicate interplay between mental health treatment, the judicial system, and community safety. As Geyser begins this new chapter, the outcomes will be closely monitored, not just for her but for society at large, as it grapples with the implications of such extraordinary violence initiated by youth.

Concluding Thoughts

Morgan Geyser’s release marks a significant moment in a case that has intrigued and horrified many. It raises important questions about mental health, accountability, and rehabilitation. As she transitions from a psychiatric facility to supervised living, the world watches to see how her story unfolds and what it means for the legal and psychological understanding of similar cases.

Keywords: Payton Leutner, Morgan Geyser, Slender Man stabbing