A judge in Waukesha, Wisconsin, has ruled that Morgan Geyser, a woman who nearly killed her classmate in a chilling incident linked to the horror character Slender Man, can be released from a psychiatric hospital as originally scheduled. This decision comes after state health officials made a last-minute attempt to keep her committed, which the judge ultimately rejected.
For the past seven years, Morgan Geyser has been receiving treatment at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. In January, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren ordered her release after health officials from both state and county agencies developed a comprehensive community supervision and housing plan for her. However, as the deadline approached, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services abruptly filed a request to extend her commitment, citing concerns about her recent behavior.
The state health officials argued that Geyser had not voluntarily disclosed to her therapy team that she had read “Rent Boy,” a novel that delves into themes of murder and organ trafficking. Additionally, they claimed she had been in contact with a man known for collecting murder memorabilia, involving correspondence that included a sketch of a decapitated body and a postcard expressing a desire for intimacy.
During a hearing on Thursday, Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie expressed the state’s concerns, stating, “The state has real concerns these things are, frankly, just red flags at this point.” However, Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, countered these claims, arguing that Geyser had not committed any wrongdoing and criticized the state’s request as a “hit job.” Cotton emphasized that Geyser's reading material is regulated by Winnebago staff and includes a variety of genres beyond just dark themes.
Judge Bohren heard testimony from three psychologists who had previously recommended Geyser’s release in January. They all maintained that Geyser does not present an increased risk to herself or the public at this time. Bohren concluded that the concerns raised by the state lacked substantial evidence, noting, “I don’t see the risk to the public.” He scheduled a follow-up hearing on March 21 to discuss Geyser's release plan further.
In May 2014, Geyser, alongside her friend Anissa Weier, lured classmate Payton Leutner to a park after a sleepover, where Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times. The attack was motivated by their belief that they needed to prove themselves as servants to Slender Man, a fictional character they believed would harm them or their families if they failed. At just 12 years old, Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in 2017 but argued that her mental illness played a significant role in her actions.
In 2018, Judge Bohren committed Geyser to the psychiatric hospital for a 40-year term, but with the recent ruling, she is now on the path to reintegrating into society under supervision. The case has drawn significant media attention, raising questions about mental health, accountability, and the impact of fictional narratives on young minds.
