Morgan Geyserwho at the age of 12 stabbed her classmate to impress the mythical internet figure “Slender Man”, will be released from a psychiatric hospital following her latest bid for release.
A Wisconsin judge ordered the 22-year-old’s release Thursday, Jan. 9, after expert testimony claimed she had made noticeable progress during her time at the Oshkosh, Wis., psychiatric clinic. Associated Press reported.
Geyser pleaded guilty in October 2017 to the attempted murder of her classmate Payton Leutner year 2014.
Geyser, along with his co-defendant Anissa Weierlured Leutner into the woods during an overnight stay in 2014 to play hide and seek. Geyser then stabbed Leutner 19 times while Weier cheered her on.
All three were 12 at the time. Leutner survived the attack and became saved by a passerby after she crawled into a nearby bike lane.
ABC News/YouTube
Payton Leutner
Family: HBO documentary Beware the Slenderman, about two girls who stabbed their friend
Now, 11 years since the attack, Geyser is no longer considered a security risk following her treatment at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she was housed following her conviction, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren said, per the AP.
AP Photo/Morry Gash
Morgan Geyser in court on January 9, 2025
He also ordered the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to house her in a group home and monitor her for 60 days pending the judge’s consideration.
“She’s done what she’s supposed to do,” Bohren said, per CNN. “She seems to have a good attitude.”
Waukesha Police Department (2)
Morgan Geyser (left); and Anissa Weier in 2014
Geyser’s release comes after several attempts over the years by her lawyers to grant a release. Her previous petition, in April, was denied.
Thursday’s order came after testimony from three psychologists who vouched for Geyer’s improvement over the years, per the AP.
Dr. Brooke Lundbohm told the judge that Geyser stopped taking antidepressants nearly two years ago and hasn’t had any symptoms since.
Dr. Deborah Collins testified that Geyser was doing better with her coping skills and has said she cannot forgive herself for attacking Leutner.
Dr. Ken Robbins said keeping Geyser inside the facility would put her at risk of becoming dangerous.
“The longer she is there, the harder it will be to reintegrate,” he said, according to the AP.
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Weier was was released in 2021 after being housed for nearly four years at the same facility as Geyser.
“If I’m going to be a productive member of society, I have to be a part of society.” Weier wrote in a letter, which was obtained by WDJT-TV.
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