Morgan Geyser to Be Released: New Chapter in the Infamous Slender Man Case

This development in the Slender Man case marks a significant milestone in a story that captivated national attention in 2014. Morgan Geyser, now 22, will be released from a mental health facility under supervision after nearly a decade of institutionalization following her role in the attack on Payton Leutner. This case has been emblematic of the complex interplay between mental health issues, juvenile justice, and the influence of online folklore.

Judge Michael Bohren’s decision comes after psychologists provided testimony indicating Geyser’s mental health has stabilized significantly. Diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia, she was found not guilty by reason of mental defect or disease. Dr. Brooke Lundbohm’s testimony highlighted Geyser’s improved condition, noting that while she continues to experience self-esteem challenges, she no longer presents a substantial danger to herself or others.

Geyser’s release follows the earlier release of her co-defendant, Anissa Weier, in 2021. Both girls were charged as adults in an attempt to appease the fictional Slender Man character — a story that became a cautionary tale about the darker side of internet culture and its impact on impressionable minds.

The decision to release Geyser is met with mixed reactions. Payton Leutner’s family expressed cautious trust in the legal system, emphasizing the importance of protecting their daughter and the community. Geyser’s prior withdrawal of release petitions and a recent denial in April 2024 had previously delayed her transition to supervised freedom.

Geyser’s supervised release plan will be crafted by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and she will remain at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute until the plan is finalized. This move underscores broader debates about rehabilitation, public safety, and the long-term care of individuals with severe mental illnesses involved in violent crimes.

This case continues to raise vital questions about juvenile justice reform, mental health treatment, and societal responsibility in the age of digital media influence.

 

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