The chilling case of the Slender Man stabbing, a crime that shocked the world a decade ago, is back in the news. Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls who brutally attacked their classmate in 2014, is seeking release from a psychiatric hospital.
Unilever.edu.vn revisits this complex case, examining the factors surrounding Geyser’s petition and the potential implications of her potential reintegration into society.
A Brutal Act, A Fictional Entity
In 2014, 12-year-old Morgan Geyser, along with her friend Anissa Weier, lured their classmate Payton Leutner to a Wisconsin park. There, Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times while Weier urged her on. Leutner miraculously survived the attack.
The motive? The girls claimed they were compelled to appease Slender Man, a fictional horror character they believed was real. They feared for their families’ safety if they disobeyed his demands.
Morgan Geyser in court
Separate Paths to Justice
Geyser and Weier were tried separately. In 2017, Weier was found not guilty by reason of mental disease and sentenced to 25 years in a mental hospital. She was granted conditional release in 2021 after serving almost four years.
Geyser, however, has remained at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. She withdrew her first petition for release in 2022 and had a second request denied in April 2023.
Third Time’s the Charm?
Geyser’s third petition for conditional release hinges on state laws requiring an independent expert evaluation. A hearing is scheduled for November 2023 to review the findings.
Her case raises complex questions about mental health, accountability, and the justice system’s role in rehabilitating young offenders.
Experts Weigh In
Clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Joanie Johnston emphasizes the delicate balance in evaluating someone like Geyser.
“It’s not so much a matter of ‘do I think she should be released?'” explains Dr. Johnston. “It becomes ‘can we release her in a way that’s going to minimize the risk to the public and give her a chance?'”
Dr. Johnston highlights the need for close supervision, appropriate living arrangements, and restrictions on Geyser’s access to potential triggers like social media.
The court will consider expert opinions, Geyser’s progress in treatment, her level of insight into her past actions, and the potential risks she poses to herself and others.
A Long Road Ahead
Whether Geyser’s petition is successful or not, her journey shines a light on the complexities of mental illness and the criminal justice system. It underscores the need for continued research, resources, and support for individuals battling mental health challenges.
As the court weighs Geyser’s fate, one thing is certain: the impact of the Slender Man stabbing, on both the victim and the perpetrators, will continue to be felt for years to come.
