Morgan Geyser, who 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 bid to please the fictional horror character Slender Man, is now set to be released from psychiatric care.
The 2014 attack shocked the US and made global headlines, raising questions about adolescent mental health and the influence of online horror stories. Geyser, now 21, was committed to a mental health facility after being found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Families Torn by Tragedy
The victim, who survived the brutal attack, and her family have reportedly been left distraught by the news of Geyser's impending release. Meanwhile, Geyser's own parents have spoken of their anguish, describing the case as a "never-ending nightmare".
"We've all been serving a life sentence in different ways," said Angie Geyser, Morgan's mother, in a recent interview.
Legal and Psychological Aftermath
The case saw both attackers initially charged as adults with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, before their cases were moved to juvenile court. Weier was released in 2021 after serving three years in a mental health facility.
Psychiatrists testifying at Geyser's trial described her as suffering from early-onset schizophrenia, believing Slender Man would kill her family if she didn't carry out the attack.
Ongoing Debate About Youth Violence
The case continues to fuel discussions about:
- The impact of violent online content on vulnerable youth
- Mental health intervention in adolescents
- The juvenile justice system's handling of severe cases
As Geyser prepares to re-enter society, authorities have emphasized she will remain under strict supervision with mandatory treatment continuing.
