A Wisconsin mental health facility prepares to release Morgan Geyser, who gained national attention for the 2014 attempted murder of her classmate in the name of the fictional character Slender Man.

According to Fox News, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren has upheld his January decision to approve 22-year-old Geyser's conditional release, despite last-minute objections from the State Department of Health Services citing concerning behavior patterns.

The controversial ruling comes after state officials raised serious concerns about Geyser's recent activities, including her relationship with a murder memorabilia collector and her interest in violent literature.

These red flags prompted health officials to file an emergency petition seeking to block her release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she has spent the last seven years.

Mental Health History Shapes Complex Legal Decision

Geyser's case initially shocked the nation when she and friend Anissa Weier, both 12 at the time, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a wooded park during a sleepover. The attack, which involved 19 stab wounds, was reportedly motivated by a desire to please the fictional horror character Slender Man.

In 2017, Geyser entered a guilty plea to attempted first-degree intentional homicide but was found not guilty by reason of mental defect. The court subsequently committed her to 40 years in psychiatric care, with provisions allowing her to request conditional release every six months.

Dr. Gail Saltz, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, offered insight into the case, stating:

Being found to be mentally ill as the cause of the crime has a pretty high standard. The standard is an identifiable illness that impacts your ability to understand that what you're doing is wrong and that you have the capacity to understand that. That's true regardless of age. So, it is quite a high standard.

Recent Behavior Raises Serious Concerns

State prosecutors presented evidence of troubling developments in Geyser's recent behavior, focusing particularly on her relationship with a collector of murder memorabilia who visited her three times in June 2023. The situation became more concerning when it was discovered that the individual had been selling items Geyser had sent him.

Additionally, health officials expressed alarm over Geyser's reading material, specifically a book titled "Rent Boy" containing themes of murder and organ trafficking on the black market. The prosecution emphasized that Geyser only disclosed this information when confronted by her care team.

Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie expressed the state's position during recent hearings, emphasizing that these incidents represented significant warning signs about Geyser's current state of mind.

Expert Analysis Weighs Mental Health Considerations

Mental health professionals have provided varied perspectives on Geyser's case, with three psychologists supporting her release during January hearings. The debate centers on whether Geyser's apparent interest in violent topics indicates a continuing threat to public safety.

Dr. Saltz offered additional context about the complexity of assessing such behaviors:

You have to think about the victim in this case too. The attack was unbelievably traumatic. But, at the end of the day, it's highly unusual to essentially lock up a 12-year-old for life.

Morgan Geyser's next court appearance is scheduled for April 28, where specific conditions of her release will likely be established. The case bears similarities to that of her co-defendant, Anissa Weier, who received early release in 2021 under strict conditions including GPS monitoring and mandatory cohabitation with her father.

Why This Story Matters

The Slender Man stabbing case underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues within the justice system and the broader community.

It raises critical questions about accountability, rehabilitation, and the extent of societal protection involved in conditional releases.

The community's engagement in these discussions fosters a better understanding of complex legal and mental health challenges, ensuring a more informed and empathetic approach to similar cases in the future.

Case Resolution Marks Significant Development

Morgan Geyser's imminent release from Winnebago Mental Health Institute represents a pivotal moment in one of Wisconsin's most notorious criminal cases. The decision comes after extensive evaluation of her current mental state and rehabilitation progress during her seven-year institutionalization.

The controversial case highlights the complex intersection of mental health, juvenile justice, and public safety concerns. As Geyser prepares for her return to society, state officials and mental health professionals will maintain close oversight of her transition, balancing her rehabilitation needs with community safety considerations.