Morgan Geyser, one of the two girls involved in the 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing that shocked the nation, is on the run after fleeing a Wisconsin group home where she had been living under court-ordered supervision. Madison police said they were alerted Sunday morning after Geyser allegedly cut off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet and left the facility sometime Saturday night.
Authorities released a recent surveillance image and said the 22-year-old was last seen around 8 p.m. in Madison accompanied by an adult acquaintance. Police urged anyone who spots Geyser to call 911 immediately, noting that she was required to remain under strict supervision as part of her release conditions.
Geyser had been living in the group home since March, when a Waukesha County judge ordered her transfer from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute following testimony from three psychologists who said she was ready for supervised release. The decision came despite objections from prosecutors, who raised concerns about her past communications with people outside the institution and her access to disturbing reading materials.
Her attorney, Tony Cotton, released a statement on Sunday asking Geyser to surrender, saying it would be “in her best interest” to return safely and comply with the court’s orders.
The victim in the original case, Payton Leutner, and her family said they are aware of Geyser’s disappearance. In a statement, the family said they are working closely with law enforcement and are taking precautions to ensure their safety. They also thanked the community for its support during what they described as another difficult moment.
Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier were both 12 years old when they lured Leutner into the woods in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and stabbed her 19 times in an attempt to appease the fictional internet character “Slender Man.” Leutner survived after crawling out of the woods and being found by a passing cyclist. The case gained worldwide attention and sparked conversations about online folklore, youth mental health, and the influence of digital mythology.
Both Geyser and Weier were charged as adults, but their guilty pleas were later vacated when they were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Geyser was sentenced to up to 40 years in a psychiatric institution, while Weier received up to 25 years. Weier was granted supervised release in 2021.
In past interviews, Leutner has spoken about her long recovery and her determination to live a full life after the attack. She has said she views her scars as a reminder of her strength rather than the trauma she endured.
As the search continues, police have not released further details about where Geyser might be headed or who the adult acquaintance last seen with her may be. Authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating her.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
