A Wisconsin woman named Morgan Geyser who stabbed a classmate nearly to death at the age of 12 to please the online horror character Slender Man has been deemed a risk to the public and will not be released yet from a psychiatric hospital, a judge ruled on Thursday. Geyser, now 21, was seeking release after two psychiatrists testified that she was ready to transition back to the community under certain conditions. However, Judge Michael Bohren cited clear and convincing evidence in favor of public safety, leading to his decision to keep Geyser in the psychiatric hospital for now. Geyser carried out the attack with Anissa Weier in 2014, luring Payton Leutner to a park where Geyser stabbed Leutner repeatedly while Weier encouraged her to do so. Leutner survived the attack despite suffering 19 stab wounds.
Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide and was sent to the psychiatric institute due to mental illness. She was initially diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder but has been off antipsychotic medications since 2022 with no new symptoms, according to Dr. Ken Robbins. While Robbins and Dr. Kayla Pope, the medical director at Winnebago Mental Health Institute, recommended Geyser’s move to a group home due to her significant improvements and readiness to return to the community, the judge expressed concerns about Geyser’s credibility. Recent reports indicate that Geyser has attributed the attack to her desire to escape her abusive father, who has since passed away, leading to questions about her motive for the crime and potential risk to public safety.
Despite the recommendations of psychiatrists and medical professionals, the judge ruled against Geyser’s release, citing unresolved credibility issues and a high risk to public safety. Two psychologists testified that it was still too soon to release Geyser, supported by Waukesha County Assistant District Attorney Ted Szczupakiewicz. Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, maintains that she has not changed her story and believes she stabbed the victim due to a trauma-related mental disorder rather than schizophrenia. While Geyser can file another petition for release in six months, the judge’s decision reflects the need to further resolve credibility issues and ensure public safety before any potential release.
Geyser’s accomplice, Anissa Weier, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide and was also sent to the psychiatric center. She was granted release in 2021 to live with her father, under the condition of wearing a GPS monitor. The diverging outcomes for Geyser and Weier showcase the complexities of the legal system’s approach to juvenile offenders with mental health issues. Geyser’s case highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate balance between public safety and rehabilitation for individuals who have committed serious crimes at a young age. While Geyser has shown significant progress during her time in the psychiatric hospital, unresolved concerns about her motives and credibility have led to the decision to delay her release and prioritize public safety above all else.
