A Wisconsin judge has granted approval for a conditional release plan for Morgan Geyser, one of the two women who, as a 12-year-old, brutally stabbed a classmate in 2014 to appease the fictional internet horror character Slender Man.
A Grisly Attack Inspired by Online Lore
The case, which shocked the nation, involved Geyser and her then-friend Anissa Weier luring their sixth-grade classmate into a wooded park in Waukesha, Wisconsin. There, they attacked her 19 times, leaving her for dead. Miraculously, the victim survived the horrific assault. Both assailants claimed they committed the act to become "proxies" for Slender Man, a tall, faceless bogeyman popular in online horror stories, and to protect their families from him.
Geyser, now a young adult, was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in 2018. She has since been committed to a state mental health institution. The recent court decision on December 03, 2025, represents a significant step toward her potential reintegration into society, contingent upon strict conditions and supervision.
The Path to Conditional Release
The approved plan does not mean Geyser will be immediately freed. Instead, it outlines a structured transition from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. The conditions are expected to be rigorous, likely including intensive therapy, electronic monitoring, supervised living arrangements, and strict prohibitions against contacting the victim or her family.
This development follows years of treatment and periodic court reviews. During a hearing in January 2025, Geyser appeared before the Waukesha County court, where experts provided updates on her mental state and progress. The judge's ruling indicates that professionals involved believe she has reached a point where supervised release, with extensive safeguards, is a viable and appropriate next step in her treatment.
Broader Implications and a Lasting Impact
The Slender Man stabbing case sparked intense debates about childhood mental health, the influence of online content on vulnerable youth, and the boundaries of the criminal justice system for juveniles. It raised critical questions about how the legal system handles young offenders with severe psychological disorders.
While the victim has physically recovered, the emotional scars for all involved are profound and lasting. The conditional release plan marks a new chapter, balancing Geyser's continued treatment with public safety concerns. The case remains a sobering reminder of the complex intersection between adolescent psychology, digital culture, and violent crime.
