The ongoing case of two Wisconsin women, who were convicted of a violent attack on a sixth-grade classmate over a decade ago, has taken a new turn after one of them escaped from a group home recently. Back in 2014, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, both just 12 at the time, faced charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide after they allegedly plotted to kill their fellow student, Peyton Leutner, in order to become servants to an online horror character known as Slender Man.
The attack occurred on May 31, 2014, shortly after the girls had celebrated Geyser’s birthday. They lured Leutner to a park, and according to reports, Geyser, under Weier’s urging, stabbed her 19 times. Remarkably, Leutner managed to survive the ordeal.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the girls had believed they needed to make this gruesome sacrifice out of fear for their families. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carol Lieberman noted that myths like Slender Man can distort perceptions, which is particularly concerning for children and teens.
Geyser eventually pleaded guilty to her charges and was sentenced to 40 years at a psychiatric hospital in 2018, following a schizophrenia diagnosis. Weier also entered a guilty plea but was released in 2021 after spending some time in a psychiatric center and now lives under a GPS monitor with her father.
This year, Geyser’s defense team contended for her release, claiming significant progress in her treatment, especially after she ceased taking antipsychotic medication. Despite this progress, some, including prosecutors, raised eyebrows. They pointed out that Geyser had previously misrepresented her mental state, asserting that her obsession with Slender Man might have been intertwined with her experiences of familial abuse.
Once released, Geyser was placed in a group home, but less than a year later, she was reported to have removed her GPS device and fled. Reports indicated she was last seen with a male companion before a manhunt began, capturing attention across multiple states.
Authorities later apprehended her in Posen, Illinois. Body camera footage showed Geyser initially hesitant to identify herself, leading to a tense exchange with officers before she was taken into custody. Interestingly, a book titled “Homeless Couples Guidebook” was found among her belongings at the time of her arrest.
Additionally, the man found with her, identified as Chad Mecca, was charged with providing false information to police but has since been released. Geyser’s case has stirred significant discussions, particularly regarding her potential impact on Leutner, the original victim. Critics argue that Geyser’s escape and continued presence in society can be traumatic for Leutner, who might still be living in fear of her. This raises questions about the adequacy of mental health evaluations and the treatment of such offenders.
