The Lingering Shadow: Morgan Geyser, Tied to Slender Man Stabbing, Located After Leaving Group Home

You might remember the name Morgan Geyser. It’s a name that, for many, is inextricably linked to one of the most chilling and bizarre crimes of our time: the 2014 Slender Man stabbing. Well, just recently, Geyser, now a woman, made headlines once more, albeit briefly. She was found in Milwaukee a day after authorities reported she had walked away from the Cream City Community Recovery Center, a group home where she had been living under supervised release.

Her disappearance, reported on a Saturday, naturally sparked a wave of concern. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office quickly issued an alert, classifying her as an “endangered missing person.” Given her complex mental health history and the critical need for her medication, it’s understandable why authorities moved so swiftly. Thankfully, she was located and brought back into custody the following day, bringing a swift end to what could have been a much more prolonged and worrying search.

For those unfamiliar, or perhaps needing a refresher, Morgan Geyser’s story began with an unthinkable act. Back in 2014, when she was just 12 years old, she and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, into the woods near Waukesha, Wisconsin. There, in a shocking display of delusion, they stabbed Leutner 19 times. Their motive? A twisted, deeply disturbing belief that by sacrificing their friend, they would appease the fictional horror character, Slender Man, and protect their families from his wrath.

It’s a tale that, frankly, still sends shivers down the spine. Miraculously, Payton Leutner, despite her severe injuries, survived the attack, crawling out of the woods to be found by a cyclist. Her bravery and resilience in the face of such a horrific betrayal remain an incredible testament to the human spirit. Meanwhile, Geyser and Weier’s actions became a global headline, forcing a difficult conversation about mental illness in children, the influence of online fiction, and the nature of evil itself.

In the aftermath, both girls faced legal proceedings that garnered immense public attention. In 2017, Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide. The court found her not criminally responsible due to mental illness, and she was subsequently committed to institutional care for her mental health needs. Anissa Weier, her co-conspirator, took a similar path and was released from a mental health facility in 2021.

Morgan Geyser’s journey towards a degree of freedom began in 2022 when a judge granted her conditional release, allowing her to transition from institutional confinement to the structured environment of a group home, like the one she recently left. This conditional release came with specific requirements, including ongoing mental health treatment, supervision, and adherence to rules designed for her well-being and public safety. Her walking away from the group home, even for a short time, represents a clear violation of those conditions.

This latest incident underscores the complex and ongoing challenges associated with such a high-profile case. It reminds us that for those involved, the story is far from over. It's not just about punishment, but about long-term care, rehabilitation, and ensuring the safety of all. One can only wonder what this recent lapse will mean for Geyser's future and her path towards navigating a life forever marked by the shadow of Slender Man.