Key Takeaways:
- Morgan Geyser, 23, who stabbed her sixth-grade classmate to impress the fictional character "Slender Man" in 2014, has gone missing after cutting off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet.
- Geyser was last seen in a residential neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin, with an adult acquaintance on Saturday evening.
- She had been living in a group home in Madison after being released from a mental institution in January.
- Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, has urged her to turn herself in immediately.
- The circumstances of her disappearance, including how she broke out of the group home and who may have helped her, are currently unclear.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Morgan Geyser, a woman who stabbed her sixth-grade classmate to win favor with the fictional internet character "Slender Man" over a decade ago, has taken a dramatic turn. Geyser, 23, was last seen in a residential neighborhood in the west side of Madison, Wisconsin, around 8 p.m. on Saturday with an adult acquaintance. Her whereabouts are currently unknown, according to the Madison Police Department. This development has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the mental health system in handling cases like Geyser’s.
The Original Crime
In 2014, Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier, both 12 at the time, lured their classmate Peyton Leutner into a park in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where they stabbed her 19 times in an attempt to impress Slender Man, a boogeyman for the internet age. Leutner, also 12 at the time, survived the attack by crawling out of the woods to safety, where she was discovered by a passing bicyclist. The incident shocked the community and raised questions about the influence of online content on young minds. The case drew widespread media attention, with many outlets covering the trial and its aftermath.
Geyser’s Background and Trial
Geyser spent a lot of time with Leutner and Weier, and her obsession with Slender Man was a frequent topic of conversation. Leutner had previously told ABC that Geyser constantly talked about Slender Man, a character that terrified her. The night of the stabbing, Leutner had gone to Geyser’s home for a slumber party to celebrate her birthday. At age 15, Geyser pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted first-degree murder in a deal with prosecutors to be placed in a mental institution instead of serving jail time. She spent nearly seven years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute before being released in January.
Release and Disappearance
In January, a judge ordered Geyser’s release from the mental institution, and she was placed in a group home in Madison. However, her release was not without controversy, as a facility in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, declined to take her due to negative publicity surrounding the potential move. Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, has urged her to turn herself in immediately, stating that "we worked too hard to secure her freedom for her to continue on this path." It is unclear how Geyser broke out of the group home or who may have helped her, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances of her disappearance.
Investigation and Concerns
The Madison Police Department is currently investigating Geyser’s disappearance and is working to determine her whereabouts. Geyser’s disappearance has raised concerns about public safety, as well as the effectiveness of the mental health system in handling cases like hers. The case highlights the need for closer monitoring and support for individuals with a history of violent behavior, particularly those who have been influenced by online content. As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider the potential risks and consequences of Geyser’s actions and to work towards preventing similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The case of Morgan Geyser serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of online content and the importance of addressing mental health issues in a comprehensive and effective manner. As the search for Geyser continues, it is essential to prioritize public safety and to work towards preventing similar incidents in the future. The community must come together to support individuals with mental health issues and to provide them with the resources and support they need to lead safe and healthy lives. By doing so, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.