UPDATE: Morgan Geyser, notorious for the 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing, has been taken into custody after fleeing a Wisconsin group home. Authorities confirm she was located Sunday night at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, following a manhunt initiated when she cut off her monitoring bracelet.
Geyser, now 22 years old, was last seen in Madison around 8 p.m. on Saturday. She allegedly left her residence with an adult acquaintance. Posen Police reported that she was found with a 42-year-old man who faces charges of criminal trespassing and obstructing identification.
The police statement emphasized the urgency of Geyser’s situation: “Geyser will be held until transfer to Cook County for an extradition hearing at 26th and California,” a reference to the Criminal Court Administration Building in Chicago, about 25 minutes south of Posen.
Earlier on Sunday, Geyser’s mother, Angie Geyser, made a heartfelt plea: “If you see Morgan, please call the police. Morgan, if you can see this, we love you and just want to know you are safe.”
Geyser’s escape comes just months after she was released from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute to a group home, following a court ruling that deemed her ready for supervised release. This decision was met with skepticism, as prosecutors raised concerns over her communications with outside individuals and her reading material, which included themes of violence.
In 2014, Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, into the woods in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where Geyser stabbed her 19 times. Leutner survived the brutal attack, which was driven by the girls’ belief that they needed to please “Slender Man,” a fictional horror character that gained a cult following online.
Both Geyser and Weier were charged as adults and pleaded guilty to attempted homicide but were later found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, resulting in their confinement to psychiatric facilities. Geyser was sentenced to up to 40 years in a psychiatric institution.
Payton Leutner’s family is aware of Geyser’s recent escape, with a spokesperson stating, “Payton and her family are safe and are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure their continued safety.” They also expressed gratitude for the police efforts in apprehending Geyser.
Geyser’s attorney, Tony Cotton, urged her to turn herself in, declaring it “in her best interest.”
As authorities prepare for her extradition, the public remains on high alert. This developing situation raises concerns not only for Geyser’s well-being but also for the safety of those previously impacted by her violent actions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
