Morgan Geyser, now 21, has been approved for conditional release after spending nearly ten years in a mental health facility. Geyser was just 12 years old when she and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate into the woods and stabbed her 19 times in a horrifying attempt to please the fictional internet bogeyman Slender Man.
The victim, who miraculously survived the 2014 attack, was left with permanent physical and emotional scars. Meanwhile, Geyser and Weier were both diagnosed with schizophrenia and deemed unfit to stand trial initially.
A Decade of Treatment
Geyser has been undergoing intensive treatment at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute since her arrest. Psychiatrists testified that she has shown significant progress, though she will require continued supervision and medication.
"She's demonstrated remorse and understanding of her actions," said one court official familiar with the case. "The decision for conditional release wasn't made lightly."
Conditions of Release
The release comes with strict conditions:
- Regular psychiatric evaluations
- Mandatory medication compliance
- Supervised living arrangements
- No contact with the victim or Weier
- Restricted internet access
Authorities emphasize this is not complete freedom - Geyser will transition to a supervised group home setting with 24/7 monitoring.
The Slender Man Phenomenon
The case shocked America and highlighted the dangers of online horror folklore. Slender Man originated as a creepypasta internet meme depicting a faceless, suited figure who stalks children. Mental health experts argue the girls' untreated schizophrenia made them particularly vulnerable to such influences.
As Geyser prepares for her carefully monitored transition back into society, the case continues to spark debates about juvenile justice, mental health treatment, and online content's impact on vulnerable youth.
