A Brief Escape: Morgan Geyser of Slender Man Case Flees Mental Health Facility

The name Morgan Geyser might instantly bring back chilling memories for many – a central figure in the disturbing 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing case. Well, recent news has put her back in the spotlight, albeit briefly, after she managed to escape from a Wisconsin mental health facility over the weekend. It was quite a scare, stirring up old anxieties, but thankfully, she was found safe and sound the very next morning.

Authorities confirmed that Geyser, now 21 years old, slipped away from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute on Sunday evening, May 19th. Details are still emerging, but it appears she simply walked out through an unlocked door. Can you imagine the immediate alarm bells? A patient, particularly one with such a history, suddenly unaccounted for from a secure facility – it's certainly grounds for serious concern.

Once her absence was noted, a swift and coordinated search effort kicked into gear. Local police departments, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, and even the Wisconsin State Patrol joined forces, scouring the area. They put out a public alert, asking residents to be vigilant, which must have been unsettling for the community around the facility. Everyone held their breath, hoping for a quick and peaceful resolution.

And thankfully, that resolution came. By Monday morning, Geyser was located in a nearby field. She was unharmed, which I think everyone can agree is a huge relief. She’s now back at the institute, and you can be sure there’s an investigation underway to figure out exactly how this escape happened and what steps need to be taken to prevent a recurrence.

For those who might need a refresher, the "Slender Man" case is one of those stories that truly captured national attention due to its sheer horror and bizarre nature. Back in May 2014, Geyser and her friend, Anissa Weier, both just 12 at the time, lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, into the woods in Waukesha, Wisconsin. There, they stabbed her 19 times, believing they needed to appease the fictional internet character, Slender Man. Miraculously, Payton survived the brutal attack, crawling out of the woods to find help.

The legal proceedings that followed were incredibly complex and heartbreaking. Geyser ultimately pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide. However, she was found not criminally responsible for her actions due to mental illness, a finding that recognized the severe psychological struggles she was experiencing. This led to her commitment to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute for an astounding 40 years, where she was meant to receive intensive treatment and supervision.

Her co-conspirator, Anissa Weier, faced a similar path. She was also committed to a mental health facility but was later granted conditional release in 2021. It’s a stark reminder of the long-lasting repercussions for everyone involved in such a tragic event.

So, while Morgan Geyser’s recent escape was brief and ended without further incident, it certainly serves as a potent reminder of the complexities of mental health, justice, and the ongoing challenges faced by both the individuals involved in such cases and the institutions responsible for their care.