In brief
Morgan Geyser, now 23, gained conditional release from a mental institution after serving nearly eight years for a stabbing attack motivated by the horror character Slender Man. However, her recent escape from a group home in Wisconsin and subsequent arrest in Illinois has raised concerns about her future. Geyser, along with a companion, fled the group home, fearing restrictions on their relationship, leading to her arrest in Posen, Illinois. Now she may face new charges and the possibility of returning to institutional care.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Morgan Geyser, the Wisconsin woman notorious for almost killing her sixth grade classmate in the name of the horror villain Slender Man, is now facing potential extradition after fleeing to Illinois mere weeks after gaining conditional release from a mental institution.
In a court hearing held Tuesday, Geyser agreed to not contest her transfer from jail in Cook County, Illinois, back to Wisconsin where she may be returned to the facility where she spent most of the past eight years. Geyser's recent actions may lead to new charges connected to her escape.
Escape to Illinois
According to police reports, Geyser cut off her GPS monitoring bracelet on Saturday evening and left her Madison group home with a 43-year-old companion. The couple was arrested on Sunday sleeping outside a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, approximately 25 miles south of Chicago.
Police have identified Geyser's companion but have not disclosed their name due to ongoing investigations. The friend did speak to local media, stating they connected through church and were afraid Geyser's home would prevent them from seeing each other again.
Concerns Over Mental Health and Future
During the arrest, Geyser appeared anxious, repeatedly asking officers to let her friend go. Officers captured Geyser expressing her fear about her past and whispering concerns regarding her mental health. This incident has raised questions about whether she is ready for independent living, as officials deliberate on her future following this setback.
Background of the Slender Man Incident
Back in 2014, Geyser and her then-friend Anissa Weier lured 12-year-old Payton Leutner to a park in Waukesha, where Geyser stabbed her 19 times, narrowly missing vital organs. The attack was motivated by their belief in the Slender Man mythology, a fictional character created online. Both girls were committed to mental institutions following the incident, with Geyser receiving a long-term commitment of 40 years.
While Geyser's friend Weier was granted conditional release in 2021, Geyser recently secured her own release after four petitions, indicating a move towards recovery. However, with this recent escape, her journey towards healing is once again under scrutiny.
The case highlights complex issues surrounding mental health, friendship, and the challenges of reintegrating into society after serious adolescent offenses.
