The Morgan Geyser Case: An In-depth Look

In 2014, the world was shocked by a crime committed by two 12-year-old girls in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The case, involving Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, quickly became known as the "Slender Man" stabbing. This article delves into the details of the Morgan Geyser case, exploring the events leading up to the crime, the aftermath, and the legal proceedings that followed.

The Incident: A Chilling Crime

The incident occurred on May 31, 2014, when Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier lured their friend, Payton Leutner, into the woods after a sleepover. Geyser and Weier, both 12 years old at the time, had become obsessed with the fictional internet horror character known as Slender Man. They believed that Slender Man was real and that they needed to kill Leutner to become his proxies and protect their families from him. This belief, fueled by their immersion in online horror content, drove them to commit a heinous act.

The attack was brutal. Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times with a kitchen knife. After the stabbing, Geyser and Weier left Leutner in the woods, expecting her to die. Miraculously, Leutner survived the attack. She crawled out of the woods to a nearby road, where a cyclist found her and called for help. Her incredible resilience and quick thinking in seeking assistance ultimately saved her life. The severity of the crime and the young age of the perpetrators sent shockwaves through the community and the nation. The fact that two young girls could be driven to such violence by a fictional character raised serious questions about the impact of online content on young minds and the importance of mental health.

The Perpetrators: Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier

Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier were both 12 years old at the time of the stabbing. They were friends who shared an interest in the Slender Man mythos, which they discovered through online forums and videos. Slender Man is a tall, faceless figure in a black suit who is often depicted as stalking and abducting children. The character originated as an internet meme but has since become a widespread cultural phenomenon. Both girls had mental health issues, which played a significant role in their actions. Geyser was diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia, while Weier was diagnosed with schizotypy, a personality disorder characterized by odd beliefs and behaviors.

Their mental health struggles, combined with their immersion in the Slender Man mythos, created a dangerous situation. The girls' belief in Slender Man was not merely a harmless interest; it was a deeply held conviction that drove their actions. They genuinely believed that they needed to kill Leutner to protect themselves and their families. This delusion highlights the profound impact that mental health issues can have on a person's perception of reality and their ability to make rational decisions. Understanding the psychological factors at play is crucial to comprehending the motivations behind this tragic crime.

The Victim: Payton Leutner'n

Payton Leutner was also 12 years old at the time of the attack. She was friends with both Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier. Leutner's incredible strength and resilience were evident in her survival and recovery. Despite suffering 19 stab wounds, she managed to crawl to safety and alert authorities. Her physical recovery was extensive, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care. However, her emotional recovery has been just as significant. Leutner has shown remarkable courage in dealing with the trauma she experienced. She has spoken publicly about the attack and her journey toward healing, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness and support for victims of violence. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome even the most horrific experiences.

Leutner's bravery and determination have inspired many. She has not allowed the attack to define her life, instead choosing to focus on healing and helping others. Her advocacy work has brought attention to the importance of mental health support for young people and the need for greater understanding and compassion for victims of trauma. Payton Leutner's story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even after experiencing unimaginable pain.

The Legal Proceedings: A Complex Case

The legal proceedings in the Morgan Geyser case and the Anissa Weier case were complex, largely due to the young age of the defendants and the severity of the crime. Both girls were initially charged as adults with attempted first-degree intentional homicide. This decision sparked significant debate, as many argued that children, particularly those with mental health issues, should not be tried as adults. The case raised critical questions about juvenile justice, mental health, and criminal responsibility.

Geyser's attorneys argued that she was not competent to stand trial due to her schizophrenia. After multiple evaluations, she was eventually found competent but later pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide as part of a plea deal. This plea allowed her to avoid a lengthy trial and the possibility of a more severe sentence. Weier also pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide. However, her case went to trial to determine her mental state at the time of the crime. The jury found that she was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the attack, which influenced her culpability. The legal outcomes reflected a balancing act between accountability for the crime and recognition of the mental health challenges faced by the defendants.

The Outcome: Sentencing and Aftermath

In December 2017, Morgan Geyser was sentenced to 40 years in a mental institution. The judge determined that she posed a significant risk to herself and others and that long-term mental health treatment was necessary. Geyser's sentence was a reflection of her ongoing struggle with schizophrenia and the need for intensive psychiatric care. Anissa Weier was sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution in January 2018. Her sentence also emphasized the importance of mental health treatment and the need to protect the community. Both sentences underscored the complexities of dealing with juvenile offenders with mental health issues.

The case had a profound impact on all those involved, including the families of the victim and the perpetrators. The community of Waukesha was deeply shaken by the crime, and the case sparked conversations about mental health, online safety, and the influence of media on young people. The Morgan Geyser case remains a stark reminder of the potential consequences of untreated mental illness and the importance of providing support and resources for young people struggling with mental health challenges. The aftermath of the case has also led to increased awareness and advocacy for mental health services in schools and communities.

Lessons Learned: Mental Health and Online Safety

The Morgan Geyser case offers several important lessons, particularly regarding mental health and online safety. The case highlights the critical need for early identification and treatment of mental health issues in young people. Both Geyser and Weier had mental health challenges that contributed to their actions. Early intervention and access to mental health services could potentially have altered the course of events. The case also underscores the importance of parental involvement in children's online activities. Monitoring the content that children consume online and engaging in open conversations about online safety and critical thinking can help protect them from harmful influences.

The case also raises broader questions about the impact of internet culture on vulnerable individuals. The Slender Man mythos, which originated online, played a significant role in the girls' actions. This highlights the potential dangers of online content that promotes violence, fear, and paranoia. It is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to address the challenges posed by online content and to promote media literacy and responsible online behavior. The Morgan Geyser case serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of mental health, online culture, and the potential for tragic outcomes.

Conclusion

The Morgan Geyser case is a tragic and complex story that continues to resonate today. It is a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues, promoting online safety, and providing support for victims of violence. The case also underscores the need for a nuanced approach to juvenile justice, one that balances accountability with the recognition of mental health challenges and the potential for rehabilitation. By learning from this case, we can work to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

For more information on mental health and support resources, please visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.