Slender Man Attacker’s Release Delayed After Victim Proximity Revealed in Court Hearing

A recent announcement has led to the extended stay of Morgan Geyser in a mental health facility, which was not anticipated. Geyser, who gained national attention for her involvement in the Slender Man stabbing case, was expected to be released soon, but the discovery that her proposed release would place her within eight miles of her victim, Payton Leutner, has caused a significant delay. This revelation came during a release hearing in Waukesha County Circuit Court, where Assistant District Attorney Ted Szczupakiewicz Jr. made the unexpected disclosure.

Judge Bohren Criticizes Lack of Transparency and Communication in Geyser’s Release Process

The announcement was met with frustration from Judge Michael Bohren, who expressed concerns over the handling of the situation. He criticized the communication breakdown, revealing that the caseworker in charge of arranging Geyser’s release had only been in contact with the prosecution and not with the defense or the judge. Judge Bohren voiced his dissatisfaction, calling the lack of transparency inappropriate, and emphasized that such critical matters should not involve “subterfuge” or surprise announcements.

Morgan Geyser was just 12 years old when she and another girl, Anissa Weier, attempted to murder Payton Leutner to appease the fictional Slender Man. Geyser was sentenced to a mental health institution after she was deemed not guilty by reason of insanity. The severity of the crime, including the fact that Leutner was stabbed 19 times, and the psychological motivations behind it, have kept the case in the public eye for years, raising questions about Geyser’s future and rehabilitation.

Payton Leutner’s Family Expresses Concerns Over Geyser’s Proximity in Proposed Release Plan

The proposed release plan and its proximity to Payton Leutner’s home have sparked significant concern for her family. Payton’s mother, Stacie Leutner, spoke via Zoom during the hearing, emphasizing the long-term impact that Geyser’s release would have on her daughter’s well-being. Stacie described Payton’s journey to heal from the trauma, highlighting her efforts to build a life in her community. She argued that Payton deserves the right to live peacefully without being impacted by the presence of her attacker so nearby.

In light of the new developments, Judge Bohren ordered that a new release plan be developed for Geyser. This marks the third time that officials have been instructed to revise her release strategy. The judge stressed the importance of ensuring that all procedures are meticulously followed to protect the rights of everyone involved. Geyser’s next release hearing is scheduled for June, where the court will reassess her potential placement.