Judge Grants Conditional Release to Slender Man Stabbing Participant Morgan Geyser

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls convicted in the infamous 2014 Slender Man stabbing case, was granted conditional release from a state psychiatric hospital on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. Judge Michael Bohren ruled that Geyser, now 22, no longer poses a significant risk to the public. This marks the fourth time Geyser has sought release in the past two years, with previous attempts being denied.

Geyser and her accomplice, Anissa Weier, were both 12 years old when they lured their classmate Payton Leutner to a Waukesha park after a sleepover in May 2014. Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times, nearly killing her, in an attempt to please the fictional horror character Slender Man. Both girls claimed they feared Slender Man would harm their families if they did not carry out the attack.

In 2018, Geyser was found not guilty by reason of mental disease and was committed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for a maximum of 40 years. During Thursday’s hearing, three doctors who have treated Geyser since the stabbing testified that she has made significant progress. They described her as a “bright young woman” who no longer hears voices and has been off anti-psychotic medications for years. Geyser, who now identifies as a transgender man, was also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in May 2024, though doctors stated this does not impact her mental health recovery.

Judge Bohren emphasized that he was satisfied with the evidence presented, stating, “Under the current set of circumstances, Miss Geyser does not pose a significant risk of bodily harm to herself or others, or of serious property damage.” The state has 60 days to develop a release plan, during which Geyser will remain at Winnebago.

Geyser’s defense attorney, Anthony Cotton, expressed confidence in the decision, noting that Judge Bohren has been involved in the case from the beginning and is not one to make hasty decisions. “I think the community will understand if they think about it deeply,” Cotton said. “This is a very good judge who has been involved in the case the whole time, so he’s certainly no pushover.”

Payton Leutner, who survived the attack, and her family have not publicly commented on the ruling. However, prior to the hearing, they released a statement expressing confidence that the judicial system would ensure the community and their daughter remain safe.

Anissa Weier, Geyser’s accomplice, was granted conditional release in September 2021 and currently lives with her father under state supervision. The case, which shocked the nation, continues to draw attention as both girls transition back into society under strict conditions.