Wisconsin Woman Who Stabbed Classmate to Please Man Denied Release from Psychiatric Hospital

In a recent development, Morgan Geyser, who made headlines at the age of 12 for the stabbing incident related to the online character Slender Man, has been denied an early release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. This decision has sparked a debate over her rehabilitation and the potential risks involved.

Morgan Geyser, now 21, sought an early release from the psychiatric hospital where she has been undergoing a 40-year commitment since 2018. However, the local judge, Michael Bohren, ruled against her request, citing a substantial risk of harm to herself or others. The judge's decision was based on clear and convincing evidence, as required by Wisconsin law.

Medical Opinions

During the hearing, two doctors provided differing viewpoints on Geyser's readiness for release. While Dr. Kayla Pope, the hospital's medical director, emphasized Geyser's active participation in therapy and treatment, Dr. Ken Robbins, a psychiatrist who has known Geyser since 2014, highlighted her significant improvement over the years. Robbins mentioned that Geyser's current needs, such as socialization and education, might not be effectively addressed at the institute.

The Chilling Crime

The case dates back to 2014 when Geyser and Anissa Weier, both 12 at the time, lured their classmate Payton Leutner to a park and carried out a brutal stabbing, leaving Leutner with 19 stab wounds. The motive behind the attack was to please the fictional character Slender Man, as the girls feared for their families' safety.

Legal Outcomes

Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide and was admitted to the psychiatric institute due to mental illness, while Weier pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide and was also placed in a psychiatric center. Weier was granted release in 2021 under certain conditions, including wearing a GPS monitor.