Key Takeaways:
- Morgan Geyser, one of the girls convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing, has cut off her GPS monitoring bracelet and is on the run.
- Geyser was last seen near Kroncke Drive with an adult acquaintance and police are urging anyone with information to contact 911.
- The victim, Payton Leutner, and her family are safe and working closely with law enforcement to ensure their continued safety.
- Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, has called for her to turn herself in immediately and for anyone who has been in communication with her to contact police.
Introduction to the Incident
The Madison police department has launched a search for Morgan Geyser, one of the girls convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing, after she cut off her GPS monitoring bracelet and left her group home on Saturday night. Geyser was last seen at 8 p.m. near Kroncke Drive with an adult acquaintance, and police were notified of her disappearance on Sunday morning. The police are urging anyone with information to contact 911, and a search effort is currently underway to locate Geyser.
Background on the Slender Man Stabbing
In 2014, Geyser and her accomplice, Anissa Weier, nearly killed their classmate, Payton Leutner, by stabbing her 19 times as part of a plot involving the fictional character Slender Man. The incident shocked the community and raised questions about the influence of online content on young people’s behavior. Geyser was placed in a group home this year after being granted a conditional release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she had been receiving treatment for her mental health issues.
Response from the Leutner Family
The Leutner family has released a statement expressing their awareness of the situation and their gratitude for the support they have received from law enforcement and the community. "Payton and her family are safe and are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure their continued safety," the statement reads. "The family would like to thank all of the law enforcement entities involved in the efforts to apprehend Morgan. The Leutner family also wish to thank the outpouring of support from family, friends, and well-wishers who have contacted them during this difficult time." The family’s statement reflects their concern for their safety and their appreciation for the efforts of law enforcement to apprehend Geyser.
Geyser’s Attorney Calls for Her to Turn Herself In
Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, has posted a video on Instagram calling for her to turn herself in immediately. In the video, Cotton states that he does not know the facts surrounding Geyser’s disappearance, but he urges her to cooperate with law enforcement. "We don’t know any of the facts about what happened, or who might have assisted her, but certainly if there is somebody who has assisted her that person will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Cotton said. He also called for anyone who has been in communication with Geyser to contact police as soon as possible, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in ensuring public safety.
Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for Geyser is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The community is on high alert, and the incident has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the justice system in handling cases involving mental health issues. As the search continues, the police are working to ensure that Geyser is apprehended and that the community is protected. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to individuals who may be struggling with their mental health.