A 22-year-old transgender man, who at the age of 12 stabbed a classmate to ‘please Slender Man,’ is on the verge of being released from the mental health facility where he is presently confined.
Morgan Geyser, who now identifies with he/him pronouns according to his psychologist, was one of the perpetrators in the 2014 stabbing of their classmate, Payton Leutner.
Geyser, along with another classmate, Anissa Weier, coaxed Leutner into the woods in Waukesha, Wisconsin, before stabbing her 19 times.
Following the assault, both Geyser and Weier were apprehended, and authorities discovered that their motive was allegedly to ‘please’ the fictional entity known as Slender Man.
Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries, Leutner fortunately survived the attack.
The pair were tried in adult court on charges of first-degree attempted intentional homicide, though they received different sentences.
Weier accepted a plea for a lesser charge and was acquitted of the first-degree homicide charge due to mental disease or defect.
She was sentenced to up to 25 years in a psychiatric facility but was granted supervised release in 2021.
Conversely, Geyser was convicted but found not guilty due to mental illness and was diagnosed with schizophrenia following the attack.
He was sentenced to up to 40 years in a psychiatric institution; however, on Thursday (January 9), Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren decided that Geyser should be released under supervision.
The judge provided the state’s Department of Health Services with 60 days to devise a plan for Geyser, who will stay at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute until the plan is finalized.
According to ABC Action News, Geyser is anticipated to live in a group home once released.
His impending release follows the testimony of psychologist Brooke Lundbohm, who reported to the judge that Geyser no longer poses a significant risk to himself, others, or property.
Nevertheless, Leutner’s mother has expressed her preference for Geyser to remain institutionalized.
Before the announcement of his release, Stacie Leutner commented to ABC News, “Morgan Geyser has withdrawn [his] request to be released twice. More recently, [his] request was denied. We are confident that the judicial system will make a decision that will ensure the community, and my daughter remain safe.”
As part of his supervised release, Geyser will be required to wear an ankle monitor.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Dial or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or visit 988lifeline.org for a webchat. You may also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.