The chilling case of the Slender Man stabbing continues to unfold as Morgan Geyser, one of the two women convicted in the 2014 attack, has filed her third petition for release from a mental health institution. This new development raises questions about her rehabilitation and the ongoing debate regarding public safety versus mental health treatment.
The Slender Man Attack: A Disturbing Timeline
In 2014, 12-year-old Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier shocked the nation with their brutal attack on classmate Payton Leutner. Lured to a Waukesha, Wisconsin park after a sleepover, Leutner was stabbed 19 times by Geyser, with Weier urging her on. Miraculously, Leutner survived the horrific ordeal. The motive, the girls claimed, was to appease the fictional horror character Slender Man, believing he would harm their families if they disobeyed.
Morgan Geyser in court during a previous hearing.
Geyser’s Plea, Institutionalization, and Repeated Requests for Freedom
Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide and was committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute due to mental illness. Weier, who pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide, was also committed but was released in 2021 under strict supervision, including GPS monitoring.
Geyser’s latest petition for release marks her third attempt in two years. Her first request, filed in 2022, was withdrawn after two months. The second, submitted in April 2024, was denied by Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren, who cited concerns about her ongoing risk to the public.
The judge offered an analysis of the evidence before issuing his ruling, emphasizing that Morgan Geyser's credibility was an issue.Judge Michael Bohren previously denied Geyser’s release.
Legal Arguments and Expert Testimony
During previous hearings, Geyser’s attorney, Anthony Cotton, argued for her release, citing her progress within the institution and the limitations of further treatment within that setting. Expert testimony was presented, with some professionals suggesting that Geyser had reached the limits of benefit from institutionalized care and that community-based treatment would be more appropriate.
However, the prosecution and Judge Bohren expressed concerns about Geyser’s potential danger to the community, emphasizing the severity of the original crime and the need for ongoing monitoring and treatment. The judge also questioned the credibility of some of the evidence presented in support of Geyser’s release.
The Complex Intersection of Mental Health and Public Safety
The Geyser case highlights the complex intersection of mental health and public safety. While proponents of her release argue that she has served sufficient time and made significant progress in her treatment, concerns remain about the potential for relapse and the need to protect the community.
Kenneth Robbins testifies over zoomExpert testimony played a role in previous hearings.
The Future of the Case and the Search for Justice
As Geyser’s new petition makes its way through the legal system, the court will once again grapple with the difficult questions surrounding her potential release. The decision will require careful consideration of her mental health progress, the risk to the public, and the long-term implications for both Geyser and the community. This latest development keeps the Slender Man stabbing case in the public eye, reminding us of the enduring impact of this tragic event and the ongoing search for justice.
What’s Next for Morgan Geyser?
The court will review Geyser’s petition, likely considering updated psychological evaluations, expert testimony, and legal arguments from both sides. The process could involve further hearings and evaluations before a final decision is reached. The outcome will significantly impact Geyser’s future and the ongoing discussion surrounding the case.
A Case that Continues to Captivate and Challenge
The Slender Man stabbing case continues to captivate and challenge our understanding of mental illness, criminal responsibility, and the delicate balance between rehabilitation and public safety. As this new chapter unfolds, the world watches, awaiting the court’s decision and pondering the complex questions raised by this disturbing case.
Seeking Further Information?
For more details on the case and related legal proceedings, refer to the original news article and other credible sources covering this ongoing story.
