Morgan Geyser, one of two individuals responsible for the infamous “Slender Man” stabbing in 2014, has been granted conditional release from a Wisconsin mental health facility. The then-12-year-old Geyser, along with Anissa Weier, lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, into a wooded area and stabbed her 19 times in a misguided attempt to appease the fictional horror character, Slender Man. Found not guilty by reason of mental disease in 2018, Geyser was committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for a maximum of 40 years. This recent decision marks a significant turn in the decade-long legal saga, granting Geyser a supervised reintegration into society after years of treatment and evaluation.
Geyser’s journey toward conditional release has been marked by multiple petitions and setbacks. This latest successful petition followed a denied request in April and two previous petitions that were withdrawn. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren, acknowledging Geyser’s progress within the facility, mandated the state Department of Health Services to formulate a suitable plan for her supervised transition to a group home setting. The plan’s approval remains contingent on a hearing scheduled within the next two months, ensuring the safety and well-being of both Geyser and the community.
Central to the judge’s decision was the compelling testimony of Dr. Brooke Lundbohm, a psychiatrist with a long history of involvement in Geyser’s case. While previously expressing reservations about Geyser’s readiness for release, Dr. Lundbohm’s assessment shifted significantly, advocating for Geyser’s transition to a supervised environment. The doctor cited marked improvements in Geyser’s emotional regulation, anxiety management, and her understanding of the distinction between reality and fantasy. The absence of concerning symptoms such as crying spells, anxiety attacks, periods of dissociation, and auditory hallucinations, which had previously plagued Geyser, further bolstered Dr. Lundbohm’s support for the petition.
Dr. Lundbohm underscored Geyser’s evolving comprehension of her crime, attributing her past actions to a blurring of fantasy and reality within the context of her mental illness. Geyser now acknowledges that her perception of the fictional character Slender Man became intertwined with her reality, leading to the tragic incident. The doctor emphasized the importance of continued support and monitoring within a structured residential treatment program, recognizing the necessity of such measures to facilitate Geyser’s successful reintegration and minimize any potential risks. The testimonies and evaluations highlighted the significant strides Geyser had made in managing her mental health, recognizing the gravity of her past actions, and demonstrating an improved grasp on reality.
The court also learned of Geyser’s increasing integration into the community preceding her conditional release. Under supervision, she had been granted privileges to engage in activities outside the facility, including visits to Starbucks and museums. These outings served as real-world tests of her progress and ability to function appropriately in public spaces. Dr. Lundbohm affirmed that Geyser posed no threat to herself or others during these excursions, further strengthening the case for her conditional release. This phased reintegration demonstrated a responsible approach, gradually exposing Geyser to external stimuli and evaluating her responses in preparation for a more permanent transition.
Several factors contributed to Geyser’s progress, according to Dr. Lundbohm. Natural maturation, a suicide attempt in 2021 that seemingly prompted increased engagement in therapy, and consistent medication for depression and anxiety have collectively played a role in her improvement. The combination of medication, therapy, and the passage of time has allowed Geyser to process her actions, confront her mental health challenges, and develop coping mechanisms to navigate her reintegration into society. The court acknowledged the gravity of the original crime while also recognizing the transformative power of consistent treatment, paving the way for Geyser’s conditional release and offering a path towards rehabilitation and reintegration. This decision marked not an end, but a new beginning, a carefully monitored reentry into society for a young woman who, as a child, committed an unspeakable act fueled by a distorted reality. The future holds both challenges and opportunities for Geyser as she navigates this new chapter, constantly under scrutiny and with the weight of her past actions perpetually present.
